1.1 Who is CAFolio for?
CAFolio is a free, virtual tax clinic for people in Canada who have a simple tax situation and a modest income, including families, students, Indigenous people, seniors, and people with disabilities.

1.2 What does “modest income” mean?
“Modest income” follows CVITP guidance and usually means a total family income within set limits that increase with family size (for example, a lower limit for a single person and higher limits for couples and families).​

1.3 What is a “simple tax situation”?
A simple situation usually means your income comes from things like employment (T4), pensions and benefits (OAS, CPP, GIS, EI), social assistance (T5007), scholarships and grants (T4A, T2202), and small amounts of interest, with no business, rental, or complex investment income.

1.4 Who is not eligible for our assistance?
We cannot help if your return includes: self‑employment or business income, rental income, capital gains, foreign assets that require T1135, bankruptcy returns, or a return for someone who has died.​

1.5 Can newcomers, refugees, or temporary residents use your services?
Yes, many newcomers, refugees, and temporary residents can use a CVITP clinic if they are considered residents or deemed residents for tax purposes, have a SIN or Individual Tax Number, and meet the income and complexity rules.

2. Special groups we focus on: 

2A. Families, couples, and single parents

2.1 Can you help couples and families?
Yes, we can help couples and families as long as everyone meets the clinic eligibility rules; filing both partners together helps CRA calculate family‑based benefits correctly.

2.2 Do both spouses or partners need to file through CAFolio?
It is strongly recommended that both spouses or partners file through the clinic at the same time so benefits like the Canada Child Benefit and GST/HST credit are calculated properly.​

2.3 Can single parents use CAFolio?
Yes, single parents with modest income and simple returns are welcome and often see important benefits from filing, such as child and GST/HST credits.

2B. Students

2.4 Can you help post‑secondary students?
Yes, students with modest income and simple returns can usually be served, including those with T2202 tuition slips and part‑time work income.

2.5 Can international students use CAFolio?
International students may be eligible if they are considered residents or deemed residents for tax purposes and have a SIN or ITN, and their income is simple.

2.6 Will you help with tuition and education amounts?
Yes, we can enter your T2202 and other slips so CRA can apply tuition amounts and any carry‑forward amounts according to the tax rules.​

2C. Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, Métis)

2.7 Can Indigenous people use CAFolio?
Yes, Indigenous individuals with modest income and simple returns can use the clinic, including those whose income may be tax‑exempt under section 87 of the Indian Act.

2.8 Can you handle income that may be tax‑exempt (for example, earned on reserve)?
We can enter income from slips such as T4 and other documents, and the tax software will treat it according to CRA guidance on exempt and taxable income.

2D. Seniors and elders

2.9 Can CAFolio help seniors and elders?

Yes, seniors are a priority group; we can help with income such as CPP, OAS, GIS, private pensions, and registered plan withdrawals if the situation is otherwise simple.

2.10 What if I have a low pension and rely on benefits?
Filing every year is essential to keep income‑tested benefits like GIS, provincial supplements, and the GST/HST credit; CAFolio can help with the tax filing part so CRA can review your eligibility.

2E. People with disabilities

2.11 Can people with disabilities use CAFolio?
Yes, people with disabilities and modest income can use the clinic if their tax situation is simple, including those receiving disability benefits such as CPP‑D or provincial disability assistance.

2.12 Can you help with the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)?
We can enter an approved Disability Tax Credit that already appears on your CRA account or notices, but we cannot complete medical forms or decide if you qualify.​

What do I need for my CAFolio appointment?
You do not need to bring anything in person. Please be ready to share or show your information during your virtual session (phone or online). Have your ID details and all tax documents nearby so you can read them out or upload them when asked.

What identification will I need to verify?
Be prepared to confirm:

• Your full legal name

• Date of birth

• Social Insurance Number (SIN) or Individual Tax Number (ITN)

• Current mailing address

• Marital status and spouse/partner’s name and SIN (if applicable)

• Children’s names and dates of birth (if applicable)

Depending on the platform, we may verify this:

• On camera (showing your ID)

• By securely uploading an image or PDF

• By reading details over the phone

What income slips should I have ready?
Have all slips you received, such as T4, T4A, T4A(P), T4A(OAS), T4E, T5, T5007, T4RSP, T4RIF, and any other slips related to your income.

What receipts should I also gather?
Please gather rent or property tax receipts (if relevant for provincial credits), child care receipts, medical expenses, charitable donations, disability‑related expenses, tuition slips and student receipts if you are a student.

How will I share my tax slips and receipts?
You may be asked to:

• Upload photos or scans of your slips and receipts through a secure link, or

• Read key details from each slip over the phone, or

• Share your screen (if we are using a secure online platform)

We will explain the safest option for you when we confirm your appointment.

What if I am missing some slips?
With your consent, CVITP volunteers may use CRA’s Auto‑fill my return or Represent a Client services to download many slips directly from CRA’s systems.

Why don’t you accept documents by regular email?
Regular email is not secure enough for sensitive information like SINs and ID. To protect you from fraud and identity theft, we use safer options such as secure upload, encrypted. 

Our income tax clinic is fully virtual. We guide you step-by-step so you don’t have to guess what comes next.

1) Submit your intake application (after eligibility)

Once you confirm you meet the eligibility criteria, you’ll complete our secure online intake form. This gives us the information we need to open your file.

2) We send a follow-up email with next steps

After we receive your intake, we’ll email you with:

• A secure link to upload your documents (tax slips, ID, etc.)

• A link to review and sign the CRA authorization form (TIS60)

• A request for your consent to use Auto-fill my return (AFR), if you choose

AFR (optional): With your permission, AFR allows us to securely pull many of your tax slips directly from CRA for the year(s) being filed. This can reduce missing slips and speed things up.

3) Volunteer review + file setup

Once we have your documents and signed consent, a volunteer will review everything and begin preparing your tax return. If anything is missing or unclear, we’ll reach out by email with gentle, specific questions (so it’s easy to respond).

4) Updates along the way

You’ll receive email updates such as:

• Confirmation that your file is in progress

• Any additional questions or missing items

• A brief summary of key results (refund/balance owing, and possible benefits/credits where applicable)

5) Review your return before filing

When your return is ready, we’ll send you a copy to review. If everything looks correct, you’ll reply confirming you’d like us to file.

6) We file + send confirmation

After you approve, we electronically file your return with CRA and send you a confirmation message with next steps.

Timelines (What to Expect)

• Typical turnaround: 1–3 business days after we receive all required documents and signed consent

• During peak/busy periods: up to 10 business days

If anything is missing (for example, ID, slips, or signed TIS60), we’ll let you know quickly so your file doesn’t stall.

How long will CRA take to process my return?
CRA usually processes electronically filed returns within a few weeks, but times can vary depending on volume and reviews.

How will I receive my refund?
If you are registered for direct deposit, CRA will send the refund to your bank account; otherwise, CRA may send you a cheque by mail.​

Do I need to file every year to keep benefits?
Yes, you generally must file a return every year to receive or keep benefits like the Canada Child Benefit, GST/HST credit, and many provincial benefits.

Can CAFolio help me set up direct deposit?
We may be able to help you complete CRA’s direct deposit form or show you how to update your banking information in CRA’s online services. 

Which tax year is CAFolio filing now?
During the 2026 tax season, we can assist with preparing and filing 2025 income tax returns.​

Can CAFolio file all my past years electronically?

• Electronic Filing Window: For the 2026 tax season, our volunteers can electronically submit (EFILE) returns for the 2018 to 2025 tax years.
• Returns 10+ Years Overdue: Returns for the 2017 tax year or earlier cannot be sent electronically. While we can prepare returns as far back as 2003, these must be printed by you and mailed to the CRA.
• 10-Year Relief Limit: If you are seeking a refund or credit for a very old return, the CRA generally only allows requests for relief or adjustments for the last 10 calendar years.

What is CAFolio?

CAFolio began with a simple belief: no one should feel alone or lost at tax time.

Rooted in the work of the Community Assistance Foundation (CAF) and shaped by years of service through the CRA’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), CAFolio exists to make tax filing feel safe, respectful, and manageable—especially for people who face barriers.

As a fully online, volunteer-run clinic, we focus on income tax returns for individuals and families with modest incomes and simple
tax situations, following CRA guidelines. We serve the people our
communities rely on and care about most: seniors, persons with disabilities,
newcomers and students, Indigenous Peoples, social assistance recipients, and
those who serve – military members, veterans, and frontline workers – along
with eligible family members.

Over the years, we have done more than file returns. We’ve built a culture of steady support and practical guidance – training and onboarding volunteers, sharing step-by-step templates, and delivering clear presentations that help people understand what they’re entitled to and how to move forward with confidence.

CAFolio is, at its heart, helping hands and clear pathways: a calm, trustworthy place where people can file with dignity, access the benefits they deserve, and feel supported by a community that genuinely cares.

Is CAFolio part of the CRA?
CAFolio is hosted by an independent community organization and participates in the CVITP; volunteers are not CRA employees or representatives, even if they also work for the CRA in another role.

How does a fully virtual clinic work?
At a virtual clinic, you connect with volunteers by submitting an application; they review your information, enter it into CRA‑approved software, connect with you and file your return electronically after you give consent.

Is there any in‑person contact with CAFolio?
No, we operate entirely virtually; there are no in‑person appointments or document drop‑offs, which is consistent with CRA guidance allowing CVITP clinics to operate virtually.

Do I have to pay for CAFolio’s services?
No, all services provided under the CVITP, including at CAFolio, must be free; volunteers and organizations are not allowed to ask for or accept payment or gifts for preparing your return.

How is my personal information protected?
CAFolio volunteers must follow CRA privacy requirements and our own privacy policies and may only use your information to prepare and file your tax return as part of the CVITP.

Are volunteers trained and screened?
CVITP volunteers must register with CRA, provide a valid police records check if they have access to taxpayer information, and are strongly encouraged to complete CVITP training every year.

Do you access my CRA account?
We may use CRA services such as Auto‑fill my return or Represent a Client only if you give explicit consent for that purpose.

Can I change my mind?
You can choose not to proceed at any time before we file your return and can decline to authorize electronic CRA services if you are not comfortable

 Is CAFolio giving legal or financial advice?
No. The information on this site and at CAFolio is for general information only and is not legal, accounting, or financial advice; for advice about your specific situation, contact the CRA or a qualified professional.​

Are CAFolio volunteers CRA employees or representatives?
No. CAFolio volunteers must always identify themselves as CVITP volunteers and must not present themselves as employees or representatives of the CRA or Revenu Québec, even if they work there in another capacity.​

Is CAFolio responsible for CRA decisions?
CAFolio volunteers do their best to prepare accurate returns using the information you provide, but you are responsible for ensuring your information is complete and correct, and CRA is responsible for assessing your return and deciding any refund, balance, or review.

Does CAFolio provide ongoing representation with CRA?
No. CAFolio does not represent you in audits, objections, or appeals. If CRA later reviews or reassesses your return, you must respond directly to CRA, although we may be able to explain letters in general terms.

Are CAFolio’s services always free?
Yes. Under CVITP program terms, services must be provided free of charge, and volunteers and organizations must decline any monetary reward or other compensation for preparing your return.