On this page

• Logging into UFile
• Preparing the tax return
• Paper tax returns

Logging into UFile

Before you start preparing tax returns, make sure you always enter your user information in the software. Refer to How to set up the software and start a new file in the UFile Overview section. You will need the following information on hand:

• Your EFILE number and password
• Information about your organization:
  • name
  • city
  • CVITP Organization Identification Number (COIN), if provided

If you’re sharing a computer with other volunteers, verify the EFILE-NetFile setup to ensure that your information is used when you are preparing tax returns.

For more information and instructions, refer to EFILE-NetFile setup.

Preparing the tax return

After gathering the individual’s information and forms, you can start to prepare their tax return.

• For help with common tax topics and information, refer to Tax guide for volunteers
• For help with navigating the tax software, go to UFile overview

Once you have prepared the return, you will need to send it to the CRA.

• For electronic tax returns, you will need to complete section II of form TIS60
• For paper tax returns, you will need to provide the individual with a paper copy to mail to the CRA

Paper tax returns

If you prepare paper tax returns:

• Start with the income tax return of the spouse with the lower income to be able to transfer credits from one spouse to the other, where applicable
• Enter the amounts from all tax slips on the applicable lines of the paper tax return
• Ensure that totals are entered for any amounts that must be calculated together:
  • for example, add up the amounts in box 14 for all of an individual's T4 slips and enter the total on line 10100
• Ensure the individual signs the tax return at the bottom of page 8
• Enter a 1 into box 48700 at the bottom of page 8 of the tax return to indicate that it was prepared by a volunteer:
  • this field is automatically completed when the tax return is prepared using UFile CVITP
• Attach all completed schedules, tax slips, required forms and receipts
• Instruct the individual to mail their paper tax return to the applicable tax centre:
  • for mailing addresses, refer to Contacts and links
• Remind the individual to mail their tax return by the filing deadline to avoid possible late filing penalties or delays in the processing of their benefit payments:
  • for the filing deadline, refer to Due dates and payment dates

If an individual wants to know when they can reasonably expect to receive their notice of assessment, you can refer to Service Standards in the CRA for the most current timeframes.