Volunteer Drive Underway for Free Tax Filing Program in Bruce and Grey
The Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force is recruiting volunteers for the 2026 tax season to help deliver free tax filing support through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. Training is provided.
The Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force has launched its annual recruitment campaign for volunteers to support the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) ahead of the 2026 tax season.
The program offers free tax filing assistance to residents who face barriers to completing their returns, including seniors, newcomers, and people living on low or fixed incomes. In addition to meeting legal filing requirements, tax returns are often the key to unlocking a range of federal and provincial benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit, GST/HST credits, and the Canada Dental Care Plan.
In 2025, the program’s local impact was significant:
3,910 people filed a total of 4,410 tax returns
$13.67 million was returned to residents through tax refunds and benefits
$488,750 was saved in filing fees that clients would otherwise have paid
“We’re not just filing taxes,” said Jill Umbach, Coordinator of the Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force. “We’re helping people access benefits that can stabilize their lives.”
The program is delivered by trained volunteers who receive full training and certification through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). No previous tax experience is required. Volunteer roles are available both in person and virtually throughout Bruce and Grey Counties.
Interested residents can apply here now to volunteer for the program. More information about how to get involved as a volunteer will be posted at povertytaskforce.com and through local outreach channels.
The Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force coordinates the regional delivery of CVITP in collaboration with community agencies, libraries, and settlement services. The 2026 tax season begins in late February.