Choose your clinic
A free tax clinic is a place where eligible people can get their tax returns done for free by volunteers. They are hosted by community organizations across Canada through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) and the Income Tax Assistance – Volunteer Program (ITAVP) in Quebec.
There are different types of free tax clinics.
Walk-in: A clinic where your tax return is completed during advertised hours on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointment needed.
Drop-off: A clinic where your income tax documents are dropped off during advertised hours. Your tax return will be completed by a volunteer, and you will pick it up at a later time. You will have to prove your identity when you pick up your return and documents.
By appointment: A clinic where an appointment is needed to file your tax return. Appointments can be in person or virtual.
- In person: A volunteer will do your tax return at the scheduled time, following local public health advice and measures.
- Virtual: A volunteer within your province or territory will do your tax return at the scheduled time by videoconference or by phone.
- Virtual – Northern communities: If you are a resident in a prescribed zone, a volunteer who may or may not be located within your province or territory, will do your tax return at the scheduled time by videoconference or by phone.
What you need
In order for volunteers to complete your income tax and benefit return for you, make sure to have your:
- Tax information slips
- Receipts
- Social Insurance Number
- Identification
Tax information slips are prepared by your employer, payer, or administrator. You should have received most of your slips and receipts by the end of February. If you have not received them or have lost or misplaced a slip for the current year, ask for a copy from your employer or the issuer of the slip.
If you need a slip for an earlier year, you may be able to get a copy through My Account or by speaking to one of our agents at 1-800-959-8281.
You can also visit Service Canada to get electronic versions of your current year and prior year tax slips for old age security (OAS), employment insurance (EI), and Canada pension plan (CPP).
For more information, see Information slips – T4 and other slips.
Become a volunteer
Want to help people in your community? Do you have a basic understanding of income tax? Volunteer with a community organization to help people by doing their taxes! This year, organizations are hosting free in-person and virtual tax clinics. As a volunteer, you can choose to file and complete taxes in person or virtually by videoconference, by phone, or through a drop-off clinic.
With the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), you’ll be helping thousands of people get their entitled benefits and credits. As a CVITP volunteer, you’ll receive training, guidance, access to a dedicated help line, and free tax software.
Quebec Resident
Volunteers with the Income Tax Assistance – Volunteer Program in Quebec complete both the federal and the provincial return. Learn more about the Income Tax Assistance – Volunteer Program offered in partnership with Revenu Québec.
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