It’s that time of year again: tax season. For some, it is a very stressful event, but we’re able to receive assistance from certified professionals. For others though, receiving assistance with their taxes is beyond their reach. This is why our Government provides the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) each year in communities across Canada.

The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is provided by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). CRA began the program in 1971 and has worked with community organizations to help eligible individuals who are unable to complete their income tax and benefit returns themselves, and who are unable to pay to have it completed.

If you are unable to complete your income tax and benefit return by yourself and you are unable to pay for assistance, CRA’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program may be right for you. CRA trains volunteers who can help you complete your income tax and benefit return, if your income is too low and your tax situation is simple.

Volunteers do not complete income tax and benefit returns for deceased persons, bankrupt individuals, or individuals who have capital gains or losses, employment expenses, or business or rental income and expenses.

The clinics are typically offered between February and April each year in various locations across Canada and it is a free service. We are most fortunate here in Dufferin-Caledon to have two Volunteer Tax Preparation Clinics offered each year. Beginning in March, a clinic will begin at the Orangeville and District Senior Citizens Centre, in Orangeville, serving Dufferin County residents. A second clinic will also begin in March at the Caledon Community Services (CCS) office, in Bolton, which serves Caledon residents.

For more specific information on the Orangeville Volunteer Tax Preparation Clinic, please contact the Orangeville and District Senior Citizens Centre at 519-941-6012. The Centre is located at 26 Bythia Street, in Orangeville. For more specific information on the Caledon Volunteer Preparation Clinic, please contact CCS at 905-951-2300. CCS is located in downtown Bolton at 18 King Street East, in the Royal Courtyards.

More information on the program, as well as other tax information can be obtained from CRA by calling 1-800-959-8281.