Get the support you need this tax season
Starting this March, we’re excited to once again offer free tax clinics as part of the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP). This program has been helping individuals with modest incomes for over 50 years, by connecting them with trained volunteers who provide free tax services. The Library is a proud partner in delivering this vital support to our community.
Our branches are already known for being accessible and welcoming spaces where people can find the information they need. We want to make sure our patrons feel comfortable asking for help, especially when it comes to something as complex as tax reporting. We know how overwhelming the process can be and recognize that a helping hand can make all the difference.
“We’re in a unique position to offer this service because we hear directly from our patrons about the challenges they face,” says Joanna, a Librarian who sits on London’s CVITP planning committee. “Whether it’s financial barriers, difficulty accessing forms, or even just needing assistance with printing, we’re here to help.”
We can also offer additional support leading up to tax season, especially for those who are new to the tax process. Government forms can be complex and often folks don’t know where to begin. Thanks to our Library Settlement Partnership, settlement workers are available at various branches to assist with many things, including tax preparation. This is an invaluable resource for newcomers especially, to help with understanding the Canadian tax system and gathering the necessary documents.
What's new this year?
After listening to feedback, we’ve made some changes to improve your experience. We’re moving away from a drop-off or self-serve model, where forms were picked up without direct assistance. This year all tax clinics hosted at the Library will be walk-in, which provides one-on-one, face-to-face support. This change will allow tax preparers to offer more personalized help, answer questions, and guide people through the process. With this hands-on approach, we hope to ensure that everyone has access to the benefits they may not have known were available to them.
We’re hosting tax clinics at three Library branches – Cherryhill, Crouch, and East London – but there are a wide range of tax clinics throughout the city that Library staff can help you find. If transportation or language is a barrier, we’re here to help you find a clinic that suits your needs. We’re committed to connecting you with the right support. Tax clinics held at Library branches run March through April, but some CVITP tax clinics in London are available year-round.
For more details about eligibility or to find the clinic that's right for you, visit the Canada Revenue Agency website or contact your local Library. Find more details about our participating Library branches here.
Let us help make tax season a little less stressful.