The Volunteer Program

The purpose of the Volunteer Program is to provide assistance to people who are unable to complete their tax returns by themselves and who do not have the means to pay a tax professional to do so. The program is jointly administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and Revenu Québec. However, it is the collaboration of hundreds of community organizations and thousands of volunteers that makes the program possible.

Each year, the program's volunteers provide nearly 150,000 people with assistance in completing their tax returns. Thanks to this assistance, these people can claim the benefits and credits to which they are entitled.

Organizations participating in the program

Community organizations that participate in the program are responsible for recruiting volunteers and organizing tax return preparation sessions, which are usually held on their premises.

The program's volunteers

The program's volunteers do not have to be tax specialists. They do, however, have to have some time to volunteer during the tax season. Volunteers receive training to familiarize them with the forms they will have to complete and the simple tax situations of the individuals they will be assisting. If necessary, they can ask CRA or Revenu Québec personnel for assistance.

The program's local coordinators

The program is represented in 10 Québec regions by a team of designated coordinators who are CRA and Revenu Québec personnel. This experienced team is responsible for training volunteers. The team also provides support to community organizations that organize the program's activities.

How to register for the program

For more information, including how to register for the program as a participating organization or as a volunteer, go to the CRA's website or refer to the publication entitled The Volunteer Program (COM-301-V).