New support for organizations hosting free tax clinics

free tax clinics

The Canada Revenue Agency recognizes the value of free tax clinics that help Canadians do their taxes so they can get the benefit and credits they are entitled to. We also know the costs of running these clinics can be a challenge for organizations who want to participate.

To support these organizations, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue, is pleased to announce that the CRA will invest more than $10 million over three years in a new grant program to help organizations offset some of their costs. The program will also be available to organizations in Quebec that host clinics through the Income Tax Assistance – Volunteer Program in collaboration with Revenu Quebec. 

Currently, community organizations that run tax clinics must cover the costs, which increase as the clinics help more and more Canadians complete their income tax and benefit returns. Expenses include such things as office stationery, printers, document shredders and many other incidental expenses to support their dedicated volunteers. Recognizing the challenges of COVID-19, related costs including personal protective equipment, sanitation supplies, and plexiglass dividers will also be covered under the grant program. The CRA expects that the grant program will make the work for these free tax clinics a little easier and encourage more organizations to sign up. This will let them help more taxpayers to file their tax returns.

Starting in February 2021, organizations that plan to apply for the grant need to track their tax clinic expenses and the number of tax returns that their volunteers complete. The CRA will start accepting applications in May 2021. This pilot project will run for three years. To learn more about the CVITP grant program, visit canada.ca/free-tax-clinics-grant.

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