THE Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) is celebrating 49 years of helping individuals prepare their income tax and benefit returns. CVITP volunteers help complete over half a million tax returns every year for individuals who have a modest income and a simple tax situation.

The CRA is once again seeking community organizations to host tax preparation clinics in communities throughout British Columbia and Yukon. It is also looking for volunteers to prepare tax returns. Individuals must be willing to work with their local community organization and have a basic understanding of income tax.

Community organizations and their volunteers have offered free tax preparation clinics in various locations including schools, churches, seniors’ residences, and nursing homes. Community organizations find the CVITP an excellent way to reach out to seniors, students, and newcomers to Canada.

“The program relies on the commitment of community organizations to host tax clinics, and their volunteers who, as members of the community, have volunteered their time and effort to help others,” says Elisabeth Martin, CRA Local CVITP Coordinator. “Helping members of your community prepare and file their tax returns ensures these individuals receive the benefits and credits they’re entitled to without interruptions.”

Last year, approximately 2,480 volunteers and 500 community organizations in B.C. and Yukon helped 102,790 individuals prepare their income tax and benefit returns.

The CRA offers free training and tax preparation software to community organizations and their volunteers. For more information, call 1-888-805-6662, or visit our website at canada.ca/taxes-volunteer.

For those who have a modest income and a simple tax situation, volunteers may be able to prepare and file income tax and benefit returns—for free. These clinics are usually open from February to the end of April every year. To find a clinic near you, go to canada.ca/taxes-help.