A free tax-help program continues to assist Canadians in need.
The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) has existed since 1971.
It helps those with modest-to-no income and a simple tax situation complete their returns for free.
Natasha Brewer, a spokesperson for the program, said the program is a partnership between the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and many community organizations and volunteers across the country.
“It is important to file a return, even if you are tax exempt or if you have no income to report, because it could open up eligible benefits and credits that you might be entitled to,” Brewer told our newsroom.
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Nearly 16,000 community organizations and more than 3,400 volunteers were part of the program last year, according to numbers provided by CRA.
Last year, the program helped more than 758,000 Canadians get more than $2 billion in refunds, credits and benefits.
“The criteria is a single individual with an income of $35,000 or less, and then it goes up to $40,000 if it is a couple, and it goes up in increments of $2,500 per child,” added Brewer.
“Those are just thresholds. Organizations can sometimes adjust their income thresholds based on the geographical area and the need that they find in their community as well.”
In-person and virtual tax clinics are held in communities across the country.
You can learn more about the program and find the tax clinic nearest you on the program’s website.
