Want to become a community partner?

Background

The CVITP was introduced in 1971 as a partnership between the Department of National Revenue (as it was known then) and various community organizations. It was intended to ensure that all taxpayers had equal access to the tax system.

In 1988, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) established a partnership with Revenu Québec and volunteers from the province of Quebec, to have volunteers prepare both federal and provincial returns for eligible individuals.

How the CVITP operates

The CVITP is a partnership between the CRA and community organizations which host tax preparation clinics and arrange for volunteers to prepare income tax and benefit returns for eligible individuals.

The CRA provides training, tax software, and a network of CVITP coordinators across the country to help the community organizations and volunteers deliver the program.

The community partner's responsibility

The CVITP can fit easily into the existing day-to-day structure of many community service organizations. There is no funding available to cover costs, but tax clinics should not place an undue burden on resources.

Community organizations participating in the CVITP will be responsible for:

• following CVITP policies;
• managing their resources; and
• collecting statistical data.

The CRA's commitment

The CRA provides:

• local CRA coordinators;
• training and reference material; and
• CVITP tax software.

Local CRA coordinators are available to assist community organizations and can:

• arrange and deliver training sessions;
• provide promotional materials;
• assist volunteers in partnering with community organizations;
• provide support and guidance to organizations preparing clinics;
• work with local chapters of national organizations that have committed to partnering with the CVITP; and
• assist with any questions or concerns that you may have about the CVITP.

How do I register?

Community organizations can register to become a community partner by selecting the "Register now" button.

If you need more information about the CVITP, you can call the CRA at 1-800-959-8281.