Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force launches 2025 income tax clinic volunteer drive

With tax season around the corner, the Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force is urgently seeking volunteers for the 2025 Community Volunteer Income Tax Program/Canada Revenue Agency (CVITP/CRA).

This program provides free tax-filing support to low-income individuals, seniors, people with disabilities, newcomers, and others facing barriers to tax-filing. Without these supports, many people miss out on thousands of dollars in refundable benefits.

“We’re not just filing taxes — we’re opening doors to vital programs, such as the Canada Child Benefit, GST/HST credits, and now the Canada Dental Care Plan,” said Jill Umbach, co-ordinator of the poverty task force. “We’ve seen, first-hand, how something as simple as filing taxes can stabilize someone’s life.”

For 2025, 41,400 people were eligible for the program in Grey-Bruce (CRA Statistics, August 2025).

In Grey-Bruce:
 

• Volunteers helped 3,910 people file 4,410 tax returns.
• $13,671,000 was returned to people in refunds and benefits - a direct re-investment in household stability and community well-being. The average dollar value/tax return was calculated at $3,100.00 based on 2023 Grey-Bruce income tax program network research.
• $488,750 was saved for 3,910 people using the average rate for paying to have your taxes done at $125/person.

No experience is needed to join the program. Volunteers receive training, CRA certification, and ongoing support. Flexible in-person and virtual roles are available across Bruce and Grey counties. If you are interested, visit brucegrey.cioc.ca/volunteer.

The Bruce-Grey income tax program network supports a regional network of volunteers to extend services beyond the traditional tax season. In partnership with Grey-Bruce-Owen Sound MP Alex Ruff’s office, local volunteers, Hanover Public Library, Bruce County Public Library and social service agencies, this is more than a seasonal program — it is a tool for year-round financial empowerment.

“We see this as financial first aid,” said Umbach. “When people file their taxes for the first time in years and get a refund or qualify for dental coverage or housing benefits, it’s transformative.”

HOW TO GET INVOLVED
 

• Volunteer: Sign up to prepare and file returns and/or assist clinics at brucegrey.cioc.ca/volunteer.
• Spread the word: Help connect isolated or vulnerable community members to services. Call 211 or go to: FreeTaxClinics.ca.