Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP)

About CVITP

CVITP is a program of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) that we host for two months a year (March 1 - April 30). During other times, we direct individuals to Volunteer Nanaimo, who operate the program year-round.

It is available to those with a modest income and simple tax situation. Our program runs on an appointment format; eligible individuals can book an appointment to drop off their taxes, and our volunteers will prepare and submit the taxes.

Who We Serve

Individuals with Modest Income

A modest income (as per CRA) means the total family income is less than the amount shown below:

Family Size	Total Family Income
1 Person	$40,000
2 People	$55,000
3 People	$60,000
4 People	$65,000
5 People	$70,000
6+ People	$70,000, plus $5,000 for each additional person

Simple Tax Situation

In general, a tax situation is simple if an individual has no income or if their income comes from these sources:

Employment
Pension
Benefits, such as Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, Disability insurance, Employment Insurance, and Social Assistance
Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs)
Scholarships, fellowships, bursaries, or grants
Interest (under $1,200)

We are NOT able to assist with

Self-employment income
Sub-contractors
Employment expenses
Business income and expenses
Rental income and expenses
Interest income over $1,000
Capital gains or losses (stock, etc.)
Bankruptcy
Deceased person
Foriegn property (T1135)
Foriegn income

Please note: Rules are set by CRA and software they provide.

Program Steps

1. Please gather:
- Receipts (medical, other)
- Government issued income slips (T4, T1, etc.)
- Government issued photo ID
- Social Insurance Number
- 2024 Notice of Assessment (or previous years if available)
- If renting, your address, rent paid per month, and landlord’s name. If you have moved within the last year, we will need your previous address, rent paid and landlord’s name.
2. Phone 250-758-5547 to speak to a tax screener to determine if you meet the criteria. If so, they will make an appointment for you to come into the office (4166 Departure Bay Road, Unit 2).

3. Meet with tax screener to sign consent forms and provide your documentation. They will confirm your identity by viewing your photo id. The tax screener will collect and record your information and provide your tax package to a volunteer tax preparer. The tax preparer will electronically file your taxes.

5. You will receive a phone call approximately one week later, when it’s time to pick up your taxes.

I was overwhelmed by my disability and had fallen two years behind on my taxes. I didn’t know where to turn for help, and I couldn’t afford an accountant. My benefits were being cut off because I hadn’t filed. When I came to the Nanaimo Disability Resource Centre, they welcomed me without judgment. They helped me file my taxes and restore my benefits. I’m so incredibly grateful for their support—it truly changed my life

- Anonymous