In order to be eligible for a CVITP tax clinic appointment, individuals must have a simple tax situation and a modest income.
Simple tax situation
In general, a tax situation is simple if an individual has no income or if their income comes from these sources:
- employment
- pension
- benefits, such as Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, disability insurance, employment insurance, and social assistance
- Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs)
- support payments
- scholarships, fellowships, bursaries, or grants
- interest (under $1,000)
Complex returns, which will not be completed at these clinics, include:
- People with business of self-employment income / expenses
- People with rental income
- Capital gains or losses
- Bankruptcy filers
- Returns for deceased taxpayers
Modest Income
The following table provides a guideline to determine if an individual is eligible for the CVITP. In general, a modest income means the total family income is less than the amount shown in the chart below, based on the size of the family.
| Family size | Total family income |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $35,000 |
| 2 People | $45,000 |
| 3 People | $47,500 |
| 4 People | $50,000 |
| 5 People | $52,500 |
| More than 5 people | $52,500, plus $2,500 for each additional person |
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Register
If you are eligible for the program, you can call any library location to register for an appointment starting February 1st. (If 2 members of the household are eligible, such as a husband and wife, you will need to book 2 back-to-back appointments.) A library staff member will ask you a couple of short questions to ensure that you qualify, and then set you up with an appointment.
In-Person appointments or Virtual?
We are offering in-person appointments this year
What to expect with In-Person appointments
Two days prior to your appointment, you’ll receive a reminder phone call or email. On the day of your appointment, we encourage you to arrive at the library a few minutes before your appointment start-time so that you can get parked and find the proper room. Please follow the signs or ask a staff member if you’re not sure which way to go.
To find more free tax clinics in Niagara Falls and the surrounding area, please visit https://nfpl.info/TaxClinicsCanada
Thank You To Our Volunteers!
This valuable program would not be possible without a team of dedicated volunteers offering up their time and expertise. We want to say a sincere thank you to each of our volunteers for their generosity and kindness!