Volunteer

Every year, we support newcomers to file their tax returns. Newcomers must have filed their taxes at least three of the five years before they apply for citizenship, but for most of them, filing their taxes can be overwhelming. As a Volunteer Tax Preparer, you can support them by providing basic tax preparation for free.
ISSofBC and CRA’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) run the tax clinic program.

Assignment Title:
Tax Clinic Volunteer 2025
– Tax Preparer
– Support Roles (Greeter, Interpreters, Screeners)
Location of Assignment:
ISSofBC Tri-Cities
258 – 3020 Lincoln Avenue,
Coquitlam, B.C. V3B 6B4
Delivery:
In-Person

Key duties & responsibilities

Volunteers for this position must:

• Prepare taxes for clients with a modest income and simple tax situation
• File tax returns electronically using CRA-CVIPT approved software
• Keep taxpayer information secure and confidential
• Undergo volunteer training related to Tax Clinics
• Present schedule with time available for the months of March, and April 2025
• Have filed their taxes with the CRA in the previous years
• Be comfortable with computers
• Be available to provide support in-person
• Never charge for services

Qualifications

Commitment – you are strongly committed to completing your assignment

Computer skills – you possess a strong knowledge of using technology and CRA-CVITP approved software.

Respect – you must respect the Canadian Human Rights Act and Charter of Rights and Freedoms. 

Professional – you can build professional relationships with service users/clients, staff, and other volunteers.

Empathy – you are a good listener and patient.

Initiative – you are proactive and find solutions.

Risk assessment and supervision

This volunteer position is medium risk. Volunteers in this position will require supervision and support regularly.

Time frame/level of commitment

• Must be available to attend training (February 2025).
• Must attend at least ten tax clinic sessions from March to April 2025.
• Potential volunteers must be available in person on Saturdays for at least five hours.
• Possible placement extension upon agreement.
• Period of volunteering – Short to long-term.

Application and screening

• Interested volunteers must fill out the application (upon invitation).
• Once the form is complete, the volunteer has an interview.
• Potential volunteers must be able to travel to our Coquitlam offices.
• The volunteer must pass the vulnerable sector Police Information Checks through the RCMP or the Criminal Records Check.
• We will contact you once we have received your information and reviewed it for appropriate qualifications. The volunteer screening and training process may take several weeks.
• Volunteers must be eligible to do volunteer work in Canada. 
• We thank all volunteer applicants; however, only those shortlisted will be contacted for further consideration.

Contact

For questions and clarifications, please contact: Volunteer.tricities@issbc.org

This opportunity is in partnership with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

**Please review the requirements before filling out the volunteer application form. Thank you.

Diversity Statement 

We acknowledge Indigenous Peoples on whose territories we are privileged to work, welcome, and support newcomers, including immigrants, refugees, and students. We honour the Nations who have always cared for these lands, waters, and air. In line with ISSofBC’s commitment to equity, we promote inclusive employment opportunities for women, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions (2SLGBTQI+), and racialized individuals. Guided by our values of Purpose, Improvement, Belonging, and being Genuine, we strive to create a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives and unique strengths are celebrated.