CAPILANO ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATION

Introduction to free tax clinics

The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) has existed since 1971 and is a longstanding partnership between the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and community organizations and their volunteers.

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In the province of Québec, the program has operated since 1988 and is referred to as the Income Tax Assistance – Volunteer Program (ITAVP). It is administered jointly by the CRA and Revenu Québec.

Participating organizations host free tax clinics where volunteers complete income tax and benefit returns for eligible individuals to ensure they receive, or continue to receive, the benefits and credits they are entitled to. In Quebec, volunteers prepare both the federal and provincial tax return.

Community organizations host free in-person and virtual tax clinics. As a volunteer, you can choose to complete taxes in person or virtually, by videoconference, by phone, or through a drop-off clinic.

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Community organizations host free tax clinics and have their volunteers prepare income tax and benefit returns. The CRA’s coordinators support and guide community organizations as they deliver the program.

The CRA offers:

• guidance and support to organizations

• training for volunteers

• customized tax preparation software (UFile CVITP software)

• access to the CRA’s EFILE and Auto-fill my return services to volunteers who meet certain requirements

• a year-round dedicated help line for CVITP volunteers

• a tax preparation clinics listing on Canada.ca

• used laptops to eligible organizations (quantities limited)

• promotional material

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Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/community-volunteer-income-tax-program/lend-a-hand-individuals/about.html

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To learn more about the 2025 CAA Tax Clinic, Sign up here: Google Form

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