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Alternative tax-filing models – designing new ways of service delivery

27 May 2020
Many frontline social service agencies provide free tax preparation services by trained volunteers through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP). CVITP clinics attempt to address a number of barriers to tax filing for eligible people living on low incomes (e.g. costs related to tax filing, documentation burden, and limited proficiency in English/French etc.). 
 
In addition to meeting the high demand for CVITP clinics, frontline social service agencies recognize the importance of delivering a variety of tax clinic models to meet differing client needs. Prosper Canada partnered with a leading commercial tax preparation software company and WoodGreen Community Services, a large multi-service frontline social service agency in Toronto providing free tax preparation services year-round to people living on low incomes to pilot the following alternative models of tax preparation services:

  • Virtual tax filing for homebound seniors who are unable to access in-person tax-preparation services; and
  • Supported self-file for clients with simple tax situations who are interested in and capable of filing their own taxes.
 
The following process maps inspire frontline social service agencies to offer alternative models of tax-filing support for their clientele, especially during this COVID-19 moment where in-person CVITP clinics have been cancelled. 

Process maps: