Volunteer Income Tax Preparer:
West Neighbourhood House (West NH) is on the lookout for people who are passionate about helping diverse people living on a low-income – seniors, newcomers, youth, parents, people experiencing homelessness, and others – file their taxes. During tax season, we need volunteers for our in-person tax clinics.
Ideal volunteer candidates will be detail oriented, have experience completing taxes (at least their own), are willing to learn about the tax filing issues affecting low-income earners, work well with others, and warm and welcoming.
Volunteers are supported by the West Neighbourhood House Financial Empowerment Team who has been helping people living on a low-income address their money matters since 2005. The team is supportive, knowledgeable, compassionate and will support you while you assist others.
To file taxes, you must 18 or older, have a valid Canadian Social Insurance Number (as required by the Canada Revenue Agency), and meet the eligibility requirements outlined by the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP Volunteer/EFile Requirements). Kindly check eligibility requirements before applying.
Volunteer Duties & Responsibilities:
– Complete personal income tax returns for individuals living on a low-income
– Inform tax filers about their tax return and the benefits of yearly tax filing
-Willingness to ask screening/demographic questions
– Ability to work independently within a team environment
– Maintain privacy and confidentiality
– Must be punctual and reliable
– Participate in volunteer job-related training workshops and meetings (Training sessions will be held during weekday and evening hours in February)
– Welcoming and friendly
– Strong commitment to anti-racist and anti-oppressive practices
– Successfully completes the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) Registration and applies for EFILE and RepID #.
Skills/Qualifications:
– Previous experience in filing income tax with the Canadian Revenue Agency, minimally filing your own taxes.
– Computer proficiencies (use of laptop, tax software, etc.)
– Awareness of the challenges experienced by low-income individuals
– Good communication skills
– Friendly, reliable, responsible
– Demonstrated understanding of anti-racist, anti-oppressive principles, and commitment to ongoing learning
– Flexible and willing to learn
– Second language is an asset, especially: Hungarian, Arabic, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, Urdu, Mandarin, Tibetan, Tamil, Vietnamese, Turkish and Spanish
– Must have a recently completed Vulnerable Sector Check, or be willing to complete a Vulnerable Sector Check prior to their volunteer start date
What you’ll get:
– West NH staff and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) orientation and training before volunteers start tax-filing
– On-going support from staff
– A rewarding and fulfilling experience, with opportunities for learning
-A deepened understanding of the Canadian low-income tax and benefits systems
Volunteer Commitment:
– Pre-screening call to take place with the Financial Empowerment and Problem Solving program team prior to onboarding
– Orientation and Software training sessions in February
– 3 hours per week (minimum) from March 1 to April 30, 2025, with extension into May possible
– If the program reaches its maximum capacity for new volunteer intake, volunteers will be placed on a waiting list and notified accordingly.
In-person clinics (248 Ossington Ave): Mondays and Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
How to Apply/Contact:
Please call 416-532-4828, ext 171 or email volunteers@westnh.org for more information. You can apply to be a volunteer by completing this application form: