Volunteer with CFCS!

 
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VOLUNTEER WITH CFCS’ COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX PROGRAM 

We offer an exciting, challenging, and highly rewarding volunteer opportunity, preparing income tax returns for individuals with low income and simple tax situations in collegial and supportive environments.

Community Financial Counselling Services, in partnership with Canada Revenue Agency, operates free Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) tax clinics for individuals with low to modest incomes. Volunteers interview clients, prepare their tax returns and determine eligibility for additional benefits to which they may be entitled. We provide all of the training necessary to volunteer with us in these roles through extensive interactive online training sessions, as well as on-the-job mentoring and resources.

While volunteering with us, our priority is your health and safety, and that of our clients. All Public Health safety measures and recommendations will be taken while you are volunteering on-location with other volunteers, support staff, and members of the public. If in-person service must be reduced or closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, service will move to a virtual platform, while striving to continue fostering the team spirit and sense of community that this program has become known for.

SKILLS REQUIRED

  • Volunteers work with people from diverse cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, including recent immigrants, refugees, and those who are experiencing crisis. High levels of respect and empathy are required.

  • Strong conversation and interview skills are required.

  • Basic to moderate computer skills and technology comfort level are required (internet usage, tax software, virtual communication methods).

  • Experience preparing tax returns is an asset, but is not mandatory.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

  • must be 18 or older

  • must have a valid Canadian Social Insurance Number

  • must qualify for an EFile license (requirements include: have filed at least one Canadian tax return, and be in good standing with CRA)

  • must qualify for RepID and be able to provide CFCS with a clear Police Information Check

  • must speak fluent English (and French at select locations) - Canada Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 8 or higher (English)

  • must be able to attend and complete with proof of sufficient knowledge all required training courses through CFCS

SKILLS GAINED

Volunteers will gain the skills necessary to file simple Canadian personal income tax returns and assess clients for MB and Federal benefit programs through extensive virtual training and hands-on experience. Volunteers who successfully complete the training will receive a certificate of completion. Additionally, they will gain valuable experience in interpersonal relations and customer service.
Many of our volunteers are entering into or have retired from careers such as Accounting, Financial Advising, and CRA. However, we also have retired dance teachers, police officers, and people who simply want to give back to their community. All are welcome.

TRAINING

We offer comprehensive personal income tax and MB benefits training for all new and returning volunteers so that you feel properly equipped for whatever role you participate in. This training is required for all CFCS volunteers.

Due to COVID-19, the majority of our training is being offered in a virtual format. For returning volunteers in future years, shorter refresher and update training is offered annually prior to tax season. You will need access to a computer running Windows with internet access, and ideally a webcam, headphones, and mic. Please let us know when you apply if lack of equipment is a concern for you (ie you don't have a computer, or only have a Mac, etc).

Basic Taxes & Benefits

2023-2024 information coming soon!

TIME COMMITMENT

DAYTIME, WEEKDAYS

The volunteer role itself takes place mainly during tax season. Tax Clinics operate from the end of February to the start of May. Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of one 6 hour shift for each of the weeks in this period. Many volunteers wish to work more than one shift, and we will do our best to accommodate them. Both our main in person tax clinic (Norquay Bldg, 401 York) and our Virtual Tax Clinic operates weekdays from approximately 9:00am to 3:00pm during this period.

LOCATION

Winnipeg, MB
Main tax clinic is downtown at the Norquay Bldg on 401 York
Other locations throughout Winnipeg

APPLY

Recruitment will re-open in Fall 2023!
If you fill out the form below, we will contact you when we re-open recruitment.

To let us know you are interested in the volunteer opportunity, please fill out the form below (click/tap the button to open up the form).

Thank you for your interest in joining our incredible volunteer team!