Free tax help: CVITP and benefits for newcomers

Why filing matters — even with no income

In Canada, most government benefits are paid based on your tax return. If you don't file, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) doesn't know you exist — and the money doesn't flow. That's true even if you earned no income during your first months here. Newcomers most often miss out on:

• Canada Child Benefit (CCB) — up to $7,997 per child under 6 and $6,748 per child age 6–17 per year (July 2025 to June 2026), tax-free, paid monthly
• GST/HST credit — quarterly payments to offset sales tax
• Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) — combines three Ontario credits, including the Northern Ontario Energy Credit
• Canada Workers Benefit if you have low working income

The Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR) for individuals ended with the April 2025 payment when the federal fuel charge was removed — so don't count on it, but the other benefits are still active.

The Northern Ontario Energy Credit (don't miss this)

If you live in any of the Northern Ontario districts — Algoma, Cochrane, Kenora, Manitoulin, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, or Timiskaming — you may qualify for an extra credit on top of the regular Ontario Trillium Benefit. To get it, you must have lived in Northern Ontario on December 31 of the tax year and paid rent, property tax, or home energy costs for your principal residence.

The credit is claimed automatically when you file your return and complete the ON-BEN application — but only if you actually file. CVITP volunteers know to tick this box. Many paid preparers outside the North miss it.

What is CVITP?

The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is a partnership between the CRA and community organizations across Canada. Trained volunteers prepare and file simple tax returns for free, in person, by phone, or virtually — for people with modest income who can't easily file on their own. The program turned 55 in 2026 and runs year-round (busiest February through May).

Who can use a CVITP clinic?

You qualify if you have modest income and a simple tax situation.

How to find a clinic

Use the CRA Find a Tax Clinic tool. Enter your postal code and pick "in person", "by phone", or "virtual". Many Northern Ontario clinics are run by settlement and community organizations, including the Lakehead Social Planning Council (LSPC) in Thunder Bay, which files close to 10,000 returns per year.

CVITP partners in Northern Ontario (confirm on the CRA tool)

City	Organization	Contact
Thunder Bay	Lakehead Social Planning Council	125 Syndicate Ave S, Unit 38 · (807) 624-1720
Thunder Bay	Thunder Bay Multicultural Association	Newcomer-focused — book through LSPC clinic
Sudbury	Local community centres & libraries	Search "Sudbury" on CRA tool
Sault Ste. Marie	Local community partners	Search "P6A" on CRA tool
Timmins	Local community partners	Search "P4N" on CRA tool
North Bay	Local community partners	Search "P1B" on CRA tool

You can also call 211 from anywhere in Ontario and ask for a free tax clinic near you. Phone-based filing is available Canada-wide if no in-person clinic works for you.

What to bring to your appointment

Newcomer-specific things to know

You're filing for the partial year you arrived

For your first return, only report income earned after you became a resident of Canada for tax purposes (usually your date of arrival). The CRA asks for that date on page 1 of the T1 — it determines how your basic personal amount is pro-rated.

Tax residency vs. immigration residency

These are different things. Canada taxes based on residential ties (home, spouse, dependants, bank accounts, driver's licence) — not your visa class. Most newcomers become tax residents the day they arrive. If you're unsure, the CRA will confirm your status with Form NR74.

Foreign income and property

Once you're a tax resident, you must report worldwide income from that date forward. You also need to declare foreign property if its total cost is over CAD $100,000 at any point in the year (Form T1135). A CVITP clinic can't file the T1135 — that's where a paid accountant helps.

First return usually has to be mailed

NETFILE often rejects first-year returns, especially if your SIN starts with 9. Your first return is usually filed on paper by mail. Once the CRA processes it (4–8 weeks), you can register for CRA My Account and use NETFILE in future years.

Spouse or kids outside Canada

You can still claim the spousal or eligible-dependant credit if you supported them — but the rules differ when they live abroad. Bring proof of support (transfers, receipts) and flag this with your CVITP volunteer up front.

Free options if you're not CVITP-eligible

If your income is above the guidelines or your situation is too complex for CVITP, you can still file for free using NETFILE-certified software:

• Wealthsimple Tax — pay-what-you-want (including $0). Modern interface, handles most situations.
• UFile — free for newcomers in their first year, students, and low-income filers.
• TurboTax Free — free for simple returns; paid upgrade for foreign income or self-employment.
• StudioTax — free Canadian desktop software (donations encouraged).

Common pitfalls

• Skipping your first year because you "didn't earn anything". You still need to file to trigger CCB and GST/HST credit.
• Forgetting rent receipts. Without them, you can't claim the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (the OTB component).
• No direct deposit set up. Refund cheques to a temporary address get lost. Always set up direct deposit.
• Using a paid preparer who takes a percentage of your refund. That's a discounter, regulated under federal law (max 15% on the first $300, 5% after). CVITP is free.
• Not telling CRA about marriage, separation, or a new baby. Your CCB and GST/HST credit are recalculated when family status changes — file Form RC65 or update CRA My Account.
• Throwing out tax slips. Keep all slips and receipts for six years.

Last reviewed: April 2026. Benefit amounts and income thresholds change yearly — confirm on the official CRA CVITP page before heading to a clinic.