FREE COMMUNITY TAX CLINIC

Frequently Asked Questions – Free Tax Clinic (CVITP)

1. What is the Free Tax Clinic?

The clinic is part of the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) where trained volunteers help eligible individuals and families file their income tax returns for free.

2. Who can use this service?

The clinic is generally for people with simple tax situations and modest incomes, such as:

• Individuals
• Families
• Students
• Seniors
• Newcomers to Canada
• Persons with disabilities

3. What types of tax returns can volunteers help with?

Volunteers can help if your tax situation is simple, such as:

• Employment income (T4)
• Pension income
• Student income and tuition
• Social assistance or disability benefits
• Interest income under $1,000

4. What types of returns cannot be completed at the clinic?

The clinic cannot complete returns that include:

• Self-employment or business income
• Rental income
• Capital gains or losses
• Bankruptcy in the tax year
• Complex tax situations

5. What should I bring to the clinic?

• Social Insurance Number (SIN) for yourself and dependents
• Photo ID
• All tax slips (T4, T5, T4A, etc.)
• Tuition slips (T2202) if you are a student
• Receipts for childcare or medical expenses (if applicable)
• Your last year's tax return if available
• CRA correspondence (if you have any)

6. Do I need an appointment?

Walk-ins welcome.

7. Why should I file my taxes?

Filing your taxes can help you receive important benefits such as:

• Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
• GST/HST Credit
• Canada Workers Benefit
• Canadian Learning Bond
• Provincial benefits

8. Is my information safe?

Yes. All volunteers are trained and follow strict confidentiality and privacy rules set by the Canada Revenue Agency.

9. How much does the service cost?

The service is completely free.

What to Bring to the Free Tax Clinic

Please bring the following documents to help us file your taxes quickly and accurately.

Identification

• Social Insurance Number (SIN) for you, your spouse/partner, and dependents
• Photo ID (driver's licence, provincial ID, passport, etc.)

Personal Information

• Date of birth for you and family members
• Mailing address and phone number
• Direct deposit information (void cheque or banking details, if you want CRA deposits)

Tax Slips (Income Documents)

• T4 – Employment income
• T4A – Pension, scholarships, or other income
• T4E – Employment Insurance benefits
• T4A(OAS) – Old Age Security
• T4A(P) – Canada Pension Plan
• T5 – Investment or interest income
• T2202 – Tuition (students)

Receipts and Other Documents (If Applicable)

• Childcare receipts
• Medical expense receipts
• Rent receipts (if applicable for benefits/credits)
• Charitable donation receipts
• Disability Tax Credit documents (if approved)

Previous Tax Information

• Last year's tax return or Notice of Assessment (if available)
• CRA letters or correspondence (if you received any)

For Families

• Children's SIN numbers
• Childcare provider information and receipts

If you are unsure whether to bring a document, bring it anyway. Volunteers can only complete simple tax returns under the CVITP program.

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