Volunteering to Prepare Low-Income Tax Returns ?
NOTES & NEWS
Volunteering to Prepare Low-Income Tax Returns ?
A Reminder from CPABC ’ s Advisory Services Team
In the March / April 2016 issue of CPABC in Focus , we highlighted some things to keep in mind when volunteering to provide tax services to low-income taxpayers ( pages 24-26 ). The following summary is meant to serve as a refresher :
Exemption from licensing Recognizing that preparing tax returns at volunteer tax clinics is in the interest of the general public , CPABC established a policy that enables volunteering members to apply for exemption from the licensure process where their primary occupation is not in public practice , and where they provide these tax services to the public on an incidental basis only . Members who are not already licensed for public practice must apply for the exemption — this includes members who are employed in public practice but who are not personally licensed . Members who hold the “ Other Regulated Services – Non-Reviewable ” licence must also apply for the exemption , as this category does not permit them to prepare T1s .
Professional liability insurance Because members who are authorized to provide volunteer tax services assistance are exempt from licensure , they are not subject to professional liability insurance requirements . Therefore , to ensure the protection of the public , CPABC holds a blanket policy with AICA Services Inc . that applies to authorized CPABC members provided certain conditions are met . These conditions are detailed on the CPABC website at bccpa . ca / members / volunteer-and-mentor / volunteertax-services .
Apply and register online To apply for the exemption and register for coverage , go to bccpa . ca / members / volunteerand-mentor / volunteer-tax-services and follow the instructions .
A word about professional competence Volunteer work is regulated under the CPA Code of Professional Conduct . Therefore , before undertaking the preparation of tax returns — even at a volunteer tax clinic — a member must assess their professional competence . If , in doing so , they determine that additional training is needed , they should consider taking a tax update course through the CPABC Professional Development Program , a course held by one of the local CPABC chapters , or online training offered by the Canada Revenue Agency through its Community Volunteer Income Tax Program .
Contact us If you have any questions about applying for the licence exemption , please contact CPABC ’ s advisory services department at 604-872-7222 . Alternatively , you can email us at professionaladvisory @ bccpa . ca .
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