Are You Planning to Prepare Tax Returns This Season? 

   
By CPA Manitoba   |   March 26, 2026
 

Two people sitting at a desk with a laptop and paperwork with a tax icon in the bottom corner.

During this time of year, many Chartered Professional Accountants receive requests for tax return preparation and tax advice. Before offering these services, it is essential to ensure that all regulatory obligations have been met.

Chartered Professional Accountants who prepare tax returns or provide tax advice to anyone outside their immediate household must register a firm with CPA Manitoba and obtain a permit. This requirement applies whether services are offered full-time, part-time, or occasionally.

Firm registration is not optional. The CPA Act and CPA Manitoba Bylaws clearly define public accounting services and other regulated services. If services are being offered to the public, it is the responsibility of every Chartered Professional Accountant to determine whether registration and permitting with CPA Manitoba is required.
 
What Are Considered Other Regulated Services?
Bylaw 801 outlines activities that fall within the category of other regulated services. These include:

  • Providing advice, counsel, or interpretation related to the preparation of a tax return, except when participating in voluntary tax preparation programs offered through CPA Manitoba or the Canada Revenue Agency.
  • Providing forensic accounting services, financial investigations, or litigation support services.

Offering any of these services without proper firm registration and permitting may result in non-compliance with the CPA Act and the CPA Manitoba regulatory framework.

What You Need to Do
If you plan to provide tax preparation services or other regulated services, the following steps are required:

  • Register a firm with CPA Manitoba.
  • Maintain professional liability insurance.
  • Obtain a permit from CPA Manitoba to provide the applicable services.

 
If you plan to prepare tax returns and have not yet registered, visit the CPA Manitoba website for information on regulated services and the forms required to complete the registration process. 

For questions, contact us by email or book a phone or virtual appointment through the online booking form.

Considering Public Accounting Services?
If you are considering providing public accounting services, the Eligibility Requirements webpage provides detailed information on eligibility assessments, bridging requirements and the required forms. Understanding these expectations helps ensure compliance and supports high standards of professional practice.

Protect the Public. Protect the Profession
Staying informed and meeting regulatory requirements strengthens the integrity of the profession. Firm registration ensures proper oversight, safeguards the public, and reinforces the professionalism expected of all Chartered Professional Accountants in Manitoba.

If you offer or plan to offer tax or other regulated services, now is the time to confirm that your firm is properly registered and permitted.