Ontario CPAs prepare thousands of tax returns

Chartered Professional Accountants have helped qualifying individuals since 1969

TORONTO, Feb. 19, 2015 /CNW/ - The Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario (CPA Ontario) is offering its annual Tax Preparation Assistance program, which will provide tax assistance to qualifying individuals at various times and locations across the province until April 30, 2015.

The Tax Preparation Assistance program helps thousands of individuals prepare their tax returns so they can complete their income tax and qualify for much-needed tax credits and refunds. Since the program was initiated, many Ontarians have benefited from the volunteer tax-preparation time of CPAs. Today, the program is an ongoing partnership between more than 300 community service groups that host the tax preparation services and volunteer CPAs who complete the returns free of charge. Last year, 2,300 volunteers prepared more than 24,000 tax returns in Ontario – CPAs have been assisting in preparing tax returns for 47 years.

To qualify for this free tax return assistance, individuals must have a total household income of less than $35,000 with dependants or less than $25,000 without dependants. Also, there should be no property income, business income and no terminal returns. For information on sessions and to book an appointment, call 416-962-1841 or visit "Serving the Public" area of the CPA Ontario website at: cpaontario.ca.

"This program is vital to communities in Ontario, supporting people who need help the most," said Carol Wilding, FCPA, FCA, president and CEO, CPA Ontario. "Our members find it gratifying to get involved and to be able to give back to the communities where they live and work."

Individuals who meet the income criteria, and have booked appointments for tax preparation assistance, are asked to bring a copy of their last filed return and notice of assessment, social insurance number for themselves and their spouse/partner, list of dependants and their birth dates and all tax slips and receipts. Tax returns will be completed on site at the centres.

Media experts - Consider a CPA the next time you're looking for a subject matter expert to answer critical financial or business questions or when you need a panel expert to offer insight in a group discussion or debate.

About the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario

CPA Ontario protects the public interest by ensuring its members meet the highest standards for integrity and expertise. CPA Ontario serves and supports its more than 80,000 members and approximately 20,000 students in their qualification and professional development in a wide range of senior positions in public accounting, business, finance, government, not-for-profits and academe. Certified General Accountants (CGAs), Certified Management Accountants (CMAs) and Chartered Accountants (CAs) are now unified under the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. Chartered Professional Accountants are valued by organizations of all types and sizes for their financial expertise, strategic thinking, business insight, management skills and leadership. For information on the profession, visit cpaontario.ca. To become a CPA in Ontario, visit gocpaontario.ca.

SOURCE The Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario

Perry Jensen, Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario, 416-969-4271 or 1-800-387-0735, ext. 271, [email protected]; Amy Mulhern, Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario, 416-322-6520 or 1-800-668-1454 ext. 8311, [email protected]