Free Tax Clinic

To be eligible to use the services of a free tax clinic, you must have both a modest income and a simple tax situation.

Determine if you have a modest income

The information below provides a guideline to determine what is considered a modest income. In general, a modest income means the total family income is less than or equal to the amount shown in the chart below, based on the size of the family. Family size includes an individual, or a couple, and their dependents. Community organizations can adjust the total family income thresholds for their clients based on the local economic environment, the population they serve, and their resources.

Suggested income thresholds

Family size Total family income

1 person $40,000

2 people $55,000

3 people $60,000

4 people $65,000

5 people $70,000

More than 5 people $70,000, plus $5,000 for each additional person

Determine if you have a simple tax situation

In general, a tax situation is simple if an individual has no income or if their income comes from these sources:

• Employment pension benefits, such as the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, disability insurance, employment insurance, and social assistance
• Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs)
• Scholarships, fellowships, bursaries, or grants
• Interest (under $1,200)

Volunteers are not expected to answer complex tax questions. If a taxpayer needs information that is beyond the volunteer’s expertise, they can find more information on the website or contact the Canada Revenue Agency. Some volunteers may complete prior-year tax returns; however, they will only complete tax returns they feel comfortable preparing based on the information the taxpayer gives them.

Tax situations not supported at the clinic

Volunteers will not complete a deceased taxpayer's return, or returns that have any of the following:

• Self-employment income or employment expenses Exception 1
• Business income and expenses
• Rental income and expenses
• Interest income over $1,200
• Capital gains or losses
• Bankruptcy in the tax year (or the year before, if that return has not yet been filed)
• Foreign property (Form T1135)
• Foreign income

Documents

Get the documents you need. Volunteers will need to see all the relevant documents and receipts if you want them to prepare your taxes. These could include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Valid government-issued photo identification
• Social insurance number (SIN) or a valid temporary SIN-
• Tax information slips
• Receipts
• Previous Notice of Assessment (when possible)

Eligibility Screening (CVITP Requirement)

All individuals must meet CRA CVITP eligibility before a return can be prepared. CRA reference:https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/community-volunteer-income-tax-program/lend-a-hand-community-organizations.html#h-3

Eligible individuals may include:

• Adults 65+
• Individuals experiencing housing insecurity
• Indigenous Peoples
• Individuals with a modest income
• Newcomers
• Persons with disabilities
• Students and youth

Exceptions

Exception 1- Small T4A (Box 048)

Allowed ONLY IF ALL apply:

1. Box 048 income under $1,000
2. No expenses claimed
3. Not registered (and not required) for GST/HST

Exception 2 - U.S. Social Security

1. U.S. Social Security is allowed.
2. Any other foreign income (including foreign pensions) is NOT allowed.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

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