Community volunteer income tax program making significant impact in Grey-Bruce

The Grey Bruce Community Volunteer Income Tax Program network continues to make a significant impact by providing free tax preparation services to low-income individuals and families across the region.

In collaboration, local organizations, social service agencies, 211 Community Connections and the Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force, support the program to connect residents with vital government benefits, credits, and refunds to alleviate financial challenges.

A new report, Reducing Poverty through volunteers: the impact of CVITP in Grey Bruce, highlights the program’s success.

“This volunteer income tax program is more than just a tax preparation service,” said Jill Umbach, co-ordinator of the poverty task force. “It’s about empowering individuals and families by connecting them with the financial resources they’re entitled to.”

During the Grey Bruce Community Volunteer Income Tax Program network annual gathering, three organizations — the Bruce County Public Library, South East Grey Community Health Centre, and The Meeting Place Tobermory — reported a combined $3,275,673 in benefits and refunds returned to households in the 2023 tax season (filed from March to June, 2024).



“These numbers clearly show the positive impact of this program,” said Brooke McLean, director of the public library. “Over $1.6-million in Bruce County, alone, is helping people cover essentials, such as housing, food, and utilities. This program is one of the most impactful we offer, and collecting data helps us to tell our story better.”

Last year, the program saw a rise in demand, filing thousands of returns and helping individuals access critical benefits, such as the Canada Child Benefit and GST/HST credits.

“Without filing taxes, many people wouldn’t receive these essential supports,” said Cameron Bruce, constituency assistant to Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MP Alex Ruff. “Thank you to all the volunteers who are making this possible.”

The program’s dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to ensure residents can access critical government benefits, credits, and tax refunds, helping to alleviate financial challenges and promote economic stability.

As the program grows, new volunteers are needed. No experience is required, and training is provided. Volunteers can make a significant community impact while gaining valuable skills.

The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is a Canada Revenue Agency initiative that supports community organizations in offering free tax clinics. For more information, click here: Volunteer to do taxes for people in your community - Canada.ca.

The Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force brings together community partners to address poverty-related issues through advocacy, education, and action. For more information, click here: Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force – Our voice is power.

Together, they are making a measurable difference in the lives of individuals and families in the Grey-Bruce region, ensuring equitable access to financial resources and support.

To find free tax-filing assistance or to volunteer in Grey and Bruce counties, visit www.freetaxclinics.ca or Volunteer4BGTaxes.ca, or call 211.