As the tax filing deadline approaches, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) would like to remind Canadians with low or fixed incomes that volunteers are available in the community to assist with the preparation of tax returns.
Each year, through its Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, the CRA links with community organizations to train volunteers to complete basic tax returns. The community organizations hold tax-preparation clinics where the volunteers donate their time to help people with simple-tax filing situations complete their income tax and benefit returns, free of charge.
"We encourage people who need help with their tax returns to use the volunteer program," says Bernard Andersen, CRA's regional community volunteer income tax program co-ordinator. "The service is free and it's important to file a tax return to make sure you receive all the government benefits and credits you're entitled to."
Last year, in British Columbia and the Yukon, 2,855 volunteers helped prepare 78,046 income tax returns. Through the dedication of these volunteers, thousands of Canadians understood and met their tax obligations and continued to receive their tax credits and benefits on time.
To determine if you are eligible for this service, call the CRA toll-free at 1-800-959-8281 or visit www.cra.gc.ca/volunteer for a complete listing of volunteer tax preparation clinic locations.
