| Am I Eligible |
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To be eligible for the program you must meet the following two criteria:
- Be a resident of Muskoka
- Your total family income cannot exceed the income noted per family size in the chart below:
| Family size |
Total family income |
| 1 person |
$35,000 |
| 2 persons |
$45,000 |
| 3 persons |
$47,500 |
| 4 persons |
$50,000 |
| 5 persons |
$52,500 |
| More than 5 persons |
$52,500 plus $2,500 for each additional person |
Volunteers Cannot Help With the Following Type of Tax Returns:
- Deceased persons
- Bankrupt individuals
- Capital gains or losses
- Employment expenses
- Business or rental income and expenses
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| Book an Appointment |
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If you would like to book an appointment you can register now at the following link: Online Tax Clinic Request Form
If you have questions you can contact the Tax Clinic Team at 705-645-2412 or send us an email.
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| Why Should I File my Income Tax? |
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File your taxes to make sure you continue to receive important government benefits including:
- Trillium Benefit
- GST Credit
- Child Tax Benefits
- OAS
- GIS and more!
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| What Documents Do I Need to Have Prepared for My Appointment? |
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You Will Need the Following Documents For Your Appointment:
- Photo identification (required)
- Social Insurance Number (required)
- Any T-Slips that you have (T5007, T4, T4E, T4A, T4FHSA, T4RSP, T4RIF, T3, T5, RC210, etc.)
- The amount of the final municipal property tax bill (for each applicable tax year) and/or the amount of rent for each address you lived at during the tax year(s)
- Notice of Assessment or tax return for the last tax year you filed a tax return (if available).
- For students – tuition receipt (T2202A)
- For dependent children – receipts for child care and Social Insurance Number (if applicable).
- Secure Certificate of Indian Status (if applicable).
- If you sold your principal residence last year, provide the Settlement Statement prepared by the lawyer showing the details of the sale and property tax adjustments
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| What Is the District’s Role in This Program? |
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The District of Muskoka registered with the CRA as a community organization to deliver the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program for eligible residents living in Muskoka.
As a registered organization, the District dedicates staff resources to support the delivery of the program. The District also provides resources (such as laptops and printers) and staff to manage volunteers, coordinate training and offer support at tax clinic locations.
Community partners including the Salvation Army and local libraries also support the program through coordinating space to host the clinics and to take inquiries and appointments at these locations.
For more information regarding the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program or information on tax returns please visit the CRA website.
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| Free Tax Software |
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If you have access to a computer and feel comfortable completing your own return, you can visit the CRA website and find a free or pay-what-you-want tax software. Learn more at the following link:
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-services/e-services-individuals/netfile-overview/certified-software-netfile-program.html
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| Information and Application for Tax Clinic Volunteers |
This Program would not be made possible without the help of our community volunteers.
This posting is now closed, and applications are under review.
Please check back in the fall for next seasons Volunteer Opportunities.
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About the position:
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The District Municipality of Muskoka helps serve clients through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) in partnership with the Canada Revenue Agency. The District of Muskoka’s income tax clinic program has a tremendous impact on the community: we serve over 1,200 eligible individuals each season. Our volunteers help us put millions of dollars back into the community by ensuring marginalized populations have access to professional, free tax filing services and in turn access vital financial benefits.
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Commitment:
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Volunteers are an integral part of the income tax clinic program. Your gift of time, talent and energy is crucial to the success of the organization. We require volunteers to commit to at least one 4-hour shift per week for the months of March and April during tax filing season.
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Locations:
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Locations of the tax clinics are across Muskoka in different towns and at various community partner organizations. You will provide preference to locations you would like to volunteer. Appointments can also be completed virtually via telephone. You will be provided with a phone to use during the tax-preparing season.
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What you will be doing:
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- Help clients submit tax returns using UFile software.
- Provide high quality customer service and support to all clients.
- Ensure all formalities and concepts are fully explained to clients during their appointment.
- Attend training hosted by The District Municipality of Muskoka, as well as view web-based volunteer training provided by CRA.
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What we are looking for in volunteers:
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- Experience in filing taxes with a good understanding of Canadian tax laws and regulations, especially as they relate to low-income tax returns.
- Good computer and technology skills; experience working with UFile is an asset.
- Familiarity with basic tax documents and policies; able to explain concepts to clients so that they understand their own tax situation.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- A strong desire to help and serve our community.
- Sensitive to the needs and challenges of people living on a low income.
- Comfortable working with a diverse group of volunteers and individuals.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and maintain professional behavior with clients.
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Training you will receive:
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- Canada Revenue Agency online webinars.
- District of Muskoka’s in person Income Tax Clinic training where we review procedures, tax returns, and discuss tax clinic operations.
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Shift Times:
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Shifts dates and time change based on location. We offer clinics in the daytime and the evening location dependent.
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You will be required to provide:
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- Criminal Record Check (Letter to be provided from the District of Muskoka to take to your local OPP detachment)
- 2 References (Two individuals who were in a supervisory role while you volunteer, worked or attend school)
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