How to set up the software and start a new file

On this page

• Installing the software
• UFile CVITP welcome screen
• EFILE-NetFile setup
• Screen sizing options and help functions

Installing the software

UFile CVITP is customized exclusively for use by Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) volunteers. When UFile CVITP becomes available for the current tax year, approved organizations receive an email containing the software activation keys and the instructions for installation.

If you are using your own computer to prepare tax returns for the CVITP, you will get an email from your organization with an activation key.

If you need to prepare a tax return for a prior year, you can download it from UFile CVITP. You will need to inform the contact person at your community organization, or your Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) coordinator, so you can also obtain the separate activation key needed for each year’s version of the UFile software.

Nice to know

Contact your CRA coordinator for assistance if you are unable to download the software directly from the UFile website.

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UFile CVITP (Community Volunteer Income Tax Program) screen

Previous versions: 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 is highlighted

UFile CVITP system requirements:

• Operating system: Windows® 10 is required for the proper operation of the UFile CVITP software
  • UFile CVITP software is not compatible with Macintosh (Apple) operating systems
• Hard disk space: 250mb available
• Display: Video card and monitor capable of 1024x768 resolution at 256 colours (16-bit colour recommended)
• Internet access is required to use EFILE and obtain the latest software updates

UFile CVITP software will display the following logo in the upper right corner of each screen:

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Logo of UFile software: half of a white maple leaf on red background and text UFile CVITP.

Follow these steps if the UFile CVITP logo is not displayed:

• complete the activation
• start UFile
• click settings (above the logo)
• select EFILE-NetFile setup
• in the field In what capacity are you preparing tax returns?
  • select Volunteer with the CVITP
• click Save, at the bottom
  • pop-up window appears
  • click OK

The UFile CVITP logo should now appear in the upper right-hand corner.

UFile CVITP welcome screen

Once UFile CVITP has loaded, it will open to the welcome screen.

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UFile 2022 screen
Search button, help button, and settings button are highlighted
Start tab is highlighted
Start on a new tax file button is highlighted

To move from one section to another, use the tabs along the top menu bar: Start, Interview, Review, Tax Return, and EFILE.

You will be able to navigate to the Review, Tax Return, or EFILE tabs only if you enter all required fields, marked with red asterisks (*), in the Interview.

The search feature (magnifying glass icon), help menu (question mark), and settings menu (gear icon) are located in the top-right corner.

The search feature allows you to find information about a specific topic. For example, if you type spousal amount into the search bar, a pop-up window opens listing all topics that include references to the spousal amount.

The help menu provides links to the most common topics, as well as an alphabetical index of all topics.

Nice to know

You may also access the help menu by clicking on New Tutorial.

The settings menu allows you to Check for updates, Register the software, and complete the EFILE-NetFile setup.

To begin a new tax return, click Start on a new tax file.

EFILE-NetFile setup

In order to electronically file (EFILE) tax returns, you must complete the EFILE-NetFile setup. The EFILE-NetFile setup becomes available during the installation process. You can also access it by clicking the settings menu (gear icon).

Refer to the CRA electronic services section for more information on EFILE.

To complete EFILE setup:

• open UFile CVITP 2022
• click on settings, found at the top right corner, and select EFILE-NetFile setup
  • Volunteer with the CVITP will be preselected in the drop-down menu under the question In what capacity are you preparing tax returns?
  • EFILE has automatically been chosen as the electronic filing method

  Important note

  If Volunteer with the CVITP, and EFILE are not the default options, you are not using the CVITP version of UFile.

  You need to go back and carefully follow the UFile CVITP software installation instructions.
• complete both Part A and Part B of the EFILE registration information section:
  • make sure the following fields, marked with red asterisks (*), are all entered
    • your CRA EFILE number
    • your CRA EFILE password
    • your name and address
    • the organization name and city
    • the CVITP Organization Identification Number (COIN), if your organization provided you with their COIN
      • Yes is ticked automatically for the question, Do you have a Coin?
      • if you do not have a COIN, tick No and proceed as normal
      • if you do not include a COIN, you will still be able to prepare and transmit tax returns

    Important note

    Although not entering a COIN still allows you to continue with preparing the tax return, be aware that entering an invalid COIN will generate an error message that will prevent your settings from saving.
• complete the Representative information section by entering your RepID number in the Representative (individual) identification (RepID) number field.

  Note

  This field is optional. If provided, the RepID will be included with each income tax return being filed with the Canada Revenue Agency.

  • click Save

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EFILE-NetFile setup screen

Volunteer with the CVITP is highlighted

EFILE is for professionals and CVITP tax preparers only is highlighted

Part A – Identification Information section is highlighted

Part B – Information about your business or organization is highlighted

Yes is ticked for Do you have a COIN?

Representative (individual) identification (RepID) number is highlighted

Clear All button is highlighted

Clear Part A button is highlighted

Save button is highlighted

If you are working on a computer that is used by other volunteers within the same community organization, you must open the EFILE-NetFile setup and ensure that your EFILE number, password, and COIN (if available) are all entered correctly before you complete any tax returns.

Important info

When you finish using the computer, remember to remove your identification information from the software. Refer to Returning and clearing information in the Procedures for tax preparation section.

Screen sizing options and help functions

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UFile screen

Under Interview tab

Family Head sub-tab

Family Head Identification page

Zoom option is highlighted

Chevrons (left and bottom of the page) are highlighted

Question mark beside Designation (e.g. Mr., Mrs., Dr., etc.) is highlighted

If you want to resize the software window, a zoom scaling option is available on the top-right of the screen.

The two chevrons located on the bottom and left of the screen (highlighted in the screenshot above) also allow you to adjust the sizing of the main window, the left side menu, and the Errors, Warnings, and Information section.

If you need guidance on what to enter into an entry field, click the question mark beside that field. This will open a UFile help window, providing you with further information and other helpful tips.