Register with CRA to Host or Volunteer at a Tax Clinic

by | Dec 14, 2021 | News, Training Opportunities, Finance, Volunteer, News Feed, Workshop

Make a difference and help others do their taxes!

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) wants your help! We’re looking for organizations to host free tax clinics and for volunteers to do taxes for people in need.

So far this year, over 555,000 people with modest incomes have relied on free tax clinics to have their taxes done in order to access benefits and credits. By signing up to host or volunteer at a tax clinic, you can make a big difference in their lives.

 Register now to host a tax clinic

 Register now to volunteer at a tax clinic

Free tax clinics are made possible through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP). In Quebec, this program is called the Income Tax Assistance – Volunteer Program and is jointly run by the CRA and Revenu Québec. 

Become a volunteer

Do you file your own taxes online using NETFILE-certified tax software? Help someone else do the same using EFILE and the CVITP’s customized tax preparation software. For the 2022 tax season, in-person tax clinics may be offered, following local public health recommendations and guidelines, and many organizations will continue to host virtual tax clinics. Virtual tax clinics allow volunteers to complete and file returns using videoconference, telephone, or through a modified drop-off clinic.

Become a host organization

Free tax clinics are a collaboration between community organizations and the CRA. The CRA will work with you and provide support to help you run your clinic.

 

Your organization:

The CRA will give you:

  • hosts a free tax clinic – virtual or in-person
  • manages resources and volunteers
  • keeps taxpayer information secure and confidential
  • ensures all volunteers are approved and get a police records check, if needed
  • guidance and support
  • training for volunteers
  • free tax preparation software
  • a year-round dedicated help line for volunteers
  • promotional material
  • used laptops (when available)

As a host, it’s up to your organization to decide what time and resources it can invest in running a free tax clinic.

The CRA is piloting a CVITP Grant program for organizations. The CVITP Grant helps off-set costs incurred by community organizations that host free tax clinics and provides funding for income tax returns filed.

How do you get started?

If your organization would like to host a tax clinic or if you’d like to volunteer, go to canada.ca/taxes-volunteer to register online. You can also contact a CRA coordinator if you have questions or would like more information.

Once you are approved as a community partner or volunteer, you can work with a CRA coordinator who will support and guide you throughout the process.

Stay connected

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