CRA needs volunteers for free program in P.E.I. that helps take the stress out of filing taxes

The year wrapping up means it's getting closer to tax season, and the federal Community Volunteer Income Tax Program will once again be offering free filing services for Islanders with modest incomes.

The program needs volunteers across the province who can help take some of the worry out of sorting those slips and forms.

Jamie Jackson with the Canada Revenue Agency said population centres like Charlottetown could always use more volunteers, but there is a particular need in eastern P.E.I. this year.

"In Kings County, we’ve grown over the last number of years to provide that service... as close to home as possible for people," Jackson told CBC News: Compass host Louise Martin.

"There's always a need to bring on some new people and it's just a tremendous opportunity to give back to the community."

Anyone who applies to volunteer with the program will be screened to ensure they're the right fit, but Jackson said the CRA isn't just looking for Islanders who are good with numbers.

"Tax filing is not the most fun, so we do need people who can file taxes, obviously, but we also look for people who might want to be a greeter or help take appointments," he said.

"If you’ve been to one of the tax clinics, you would see a very friendly face who would welcome you in the door."

Extensive training is also offered to the successful applicants. The CRA would like to have its roster of volunteers identified by sometime in January.

Last year, the program had 270 volunteers who helped bring in over $13.5 million to P.E.I. through refunds, credit and benefit payments, Jackson said.

'We don't want to turn anyone away'

Eligibility for the free tax-filing program is based on family income. Individuals who earn less than or equal to $40,000 are eligible, while couples can earn a combined $55,000 or less to qualify.

Each additional family member adds another $5,000 to the threshold — a couple with two children, for example, would be eligible if their total income is $65,000 or less.

Jackson noted, however, that the thresholds are not set in stone.

"All of our organizations have the ability to be flexible with that criteria," he said. "We all know some families that, you know, times are tough and money is tight, so we don’t want to turn anyone away."

Islanders can drop off tax documents at some locations offering the program, while others will be drop-in tax clinics.

You can search for a clinic and its hours, or apply to volunteer, on the CRA's website or by calling 1-866-837-1531.

The deadline to file tax returns this year is April 30, unless you're self-employed, in which case it's June 15.