Canada Revenue Agency: Need a Hand With Your Taxes? Free Income Tax Return Preparation Available

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - March 2, 2011) - The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) is offering free tax preparation clinics in various communities throughout Ontario. Clinics are generally offered between February and April, in preparation of the filing season deadline on April 30, 2011.

Celebrating 40 years since its introduction in 1971, the CVITP was intended to ensure that all taxpayers had equal access to the tax system. Last year, more than 125,000 Ontario taxpayers received help completing their tax returns from over 5,000 volunteers working with over 1,300 community partners.

The CVITP operates as a partnership between the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and various community partners. The CRA offers training to volunteers who help prepare income tax and benefit returns for eligible individuals whose income is low, and who have a simple tax situation.

Volunteers do not complete income tax and benefit returns for deceased persons, bankrupt individuals, or individuals who have capital gains or losses, employment expenses, or business or rental income and expenses.

For more information about this free service, or to get information on community organizations in your area that host tax preparation clinics, call the CRA at 1-800-959-8281, or visit us at www.cra.gc.ca/volunteer.