By Jesse-Ann Hennessey
Special to KingsCountyNews.ca
It’s that time of year again - but for some people, it isn’t easy getting the same access to the income tax system as everyone else.
The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) is a collaboration between the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and community organizations to help people who are not able to prepare their income tax and benefit returns by themselves, said Judith Kays, communications manager for the Atlantic region of the CRA.
“The program and its services are offered free of a charge,” Kays said.
Community organizations host tax preparation clinics and arrange for volunteers to prepare tax returns for people who have low income and a simple tax situation.
In Kentville, there will be clinics at Kingstec and St. Joseph’s Church.
“Each year, community organizations and volunteers help over half a million Canadians file their tax returns,” said Kays.
The volunteers get training, support and reference materials, including free tax software. There will also be CVITP coordinators to guide the community organizations who are delivering the program.
The clinics are generally offered between February and April.
To volunteer, you can contact the local CVITP coordinator at 1-855-842-8477, e-mail CVITP.Atl.Halifax@cra.gc.ca, or the by visiting www.cra.gc.ca/volunteer.
