Did you know?
For some, filling out a tax return can be a challenge. Wouldn’t it be great to have a helping hand?
Good news — if you are unable to prepare your own income tax and benefit return, you may be able to get help from the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP)! This program, established more than 40 years ago, is a collaboration between the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and community organizations across Canada that host tax preparation clinics. Volunteer tax preparation clinics are generally offered from mid-February to the end of April of each year.
Who can CVITP help?
Over 18,000 CVITP volunteers help complete more than 500,000 income tax returns every year, lending a hand to thousands of people in communities across the country. The CVITP is available to any taxpayer with a modest income and a simple tax situation. This may include:
- social assistance recipients;
- newcomers to Canada;
- seniors; and
- students.
Volunteers do not prepare tax returns for complex situations, such as:
- returns for deceased persons;
- individuals who file for bankruptcy;
- self-employed individuals;
- individuals who report capital gains or losses;
- individuals who report employment expenses; or
- individuals who report business or rental income and expenses.
Who can CVITP help?
For more information about the CVITP, to find out how to become a volunteer, or to find a participating community organization in your area, go to www.cra.gc.ca/volunteer, or call us at 1-800-959-8281.