As the tax deadline approaches, Londoners are turning to free tax clinics for assistance in filing their income taxes. These clinics, numbering 26 in total, are playing a crucial role in guiding first-time filers and aiding individuals with modest incomes before the April 30 deadline.

Accessible Locations and Services

Five of these clinics are conveniently located within London Public Library branches, including the East London Branch, where newcomers like high school student Aidin Tenpas are finding valuable support. Tenpas, who recently embarked on his first job at a restaurant, shared his initial apprehension about setting up a CRA account and the tax-filing process. However, with the help of the tax clinic, he navigated these challenges with confidence.

The clinics, operating under the federal government’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), are hosted by various community organizations. These organizations, including The London CPA Ontario Association, Argyle Community Association, Crouch Neighbourhood Resource Centre, and London InterCommunity Health, utilize spaces provided by the library for their services.

Diverse Services and Language Support

Most clinics offer services by appointment, while some accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, there are options for virtual consultations or drop-off services, allowing individuals to submit their documents and collect completed returns later. Some clinics also facilitate filing for past years and provide support in multiple languages such as English, French, Arabic, Cantonese, Hebrew, Hindi, Punjabi, Spanish, and more.

Dedicated Volunteers and Community Impact

The clinics are staffed by dedicated volunteers approved by the Canada Revenue Agency, serving in roles such as tax preparers and coordinators. Diane MacMillan, a retired banker with over 20 years of volunteer experience, coordinates clinics at the East London and Crouch library branches. She emphasizes the importance of these free services, particularly for individuals with limited incomes, citing the challenges posed by high inflation and tight finances.

Empowering Canadians and Maximizing Returns

MacMillan highlights the clinics’ role in assisting Canadians who may not be familiar with the tax system or are unaware of potential rebates and grants. By providing expertise in tax returns at no cost, these clinics empower individuals to navigate their financial responsibilities effectively. In 2022 alone, federal tax clinics nationwide assisted nearly 650,000 people, resulting in over $1.7 billion in refunds, credits, and benefit entitlements.

The availability of free tax clinics not only ensures compliance with tax obligations but also promotes financial literacy and equitable access to financial resources for Canadians across diverse communities.