CVITP news and program updates
Visit this page regularly to stay informed on CVITP and EFILE news, announcements and updates.
October 22, 2025 - CVITP – Important information
The 2026 filing season is fast approaching! If you plan to volunteer at a free tax clinic again this year and wish to transmit returns electronically, you must renew your EFILE account online.
The EFILE suitability screening process will only begin once you have completed your volunteer registration and submitted your EFILE renewal request. You will receive an email or a letter to advise you of the result of the screening process. This process is normally completed within 30 business days of the CRA receiving an online registration or renewal application form.
However, it is important to note that some applications may take longer to process due to circumstances that are outside of the CRA’s control, such as but not limited to: an applicant’s failure to file an income tax return, failure to comply with a requirement to pay, collect or remit taxes, and complex applications.
Please submit your renewal as early as possible to avoid unnecessary delays. To ensure that your application is processed before the start of the next filing season, we encourage you to submit your application before January 12, 2026.
If you are a volunteer from Quebec, your application for NetFile Québec will be processed after your EFILE application process has been completed.
Remember to follow the steps below in order to avoid delays!
Step 1 – Register with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) to volunteer at a free tax clinic. If you are a resident of Quebec, register with the Income Tax Assistance – Volunteer Program (ITAVP).
- Complete the registration by following the instructions provided and then click “Submit”.
- Once your registration is received, a confirmation page will be displayed.
Step 2 – Renew your EFILE account by going to canada.ca/efile. Only volunteers who plan to transmit returns electronically should renew their EFILE account. If you do not plan to transmit electronically, do not renew your EFILE account.
- Under the “Yearly renewal” section, click on “sign in”.
- Sign in with your current EFILE number and password. If you lost your EFILE number or password, do not file a new application using the “Register for EFILE" link. Contact your EFILE Helpdesk for assistance.
- Fill out the EFILE renewal information and click on ”Submit”.
- Once your renewal request is received, you will be redirected to an EFILE account renewal confirmation page containing your newly assigned password and the contact information for the EFILE Helpdesk you should call if you have any issues or questions.
Note
If you renew your account on or after October 20, 2025, you must update your tax preparation software with your newly assigned password. If you do not renew your account on or after October 20, 2025, you may continue to use your current password until January 30, 2026.
As of January 30, 2026, at 11:59 pm, Eastern time, we will stop accepting T1 transmissions temporarily to convert our systems for the next filing season.
As of January 31, 2026, in order to be able to transmit authorization requests, you will need to have:
- Renewed your EFILE account;
- Passed suitability screening; and
- Updated your tax preparation software with your newly assigned password.
If you have questions:
- For CVITP or ITAVP related questions, please contact your CVITP officer or ITAVP program lead or call the dedicated helpline for volunteers at 1‑866‑398‑3488.
- For EFILE related questions, please consult the CRA EFILE web pages or call your EFILE Helpdesk.
Renew as soon as possible!
July 29, 2025 - Windows 11 upgrade
Effective October 2025, Windows 10 operating system will no longer be supported on CVITP computers and laptops. Therefore, please update your CVITP computer or laptop to Windows 11.
For more information on how to upgrade to Windows 11, refer to the Upgrade to Windows 11: FAQ on the Microsoft website or contact your CVITP officer for a step-by-step guide to assist with upgrading your laptop or computer.