Napanee’s Morningstar Mission is seeking volunteers to prepare tax returns for individuals and families with low to moderate incomes through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP).
“Morningstar has hosted this program, locally, for many years,” says Rick Helman, treasurer. Income tax preparation is offered free of charge as part of a partnership between the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and community-based organizations.
“CVITP volunteers do more than prepare people’s taxes,” notes Helman,.“They play a critical role in providing financial stability to people with low incomes in our community.”
Last year Morningstar’s volunteer income tax preparation team completed 600 hundred returns, free of charge.
“We estimate having saved clients thousands of dollars in fees since the inception of the program,” adds Helman, “We’ve helped to put thousands of dollars in essential benefits back into the hands of the people who need it the most.”
Morningstar Relief Mission works year-round to provide this critical service to individuals and families but additional volunteers are needed during peak season: from the third week of February until the end of May. Training is provided. Volunteers do not prepare tax returns for complex situations. All someone needs to become a CVITP volunteer is to have a basic understanding of income tax, and a desire to give a few hours each week from late February to late May. COVID-19 safety protocols for frontline service providers in effect.