| If a single Canadian's regular rather straightforward income is under about $25,000.00, or $35,000.00 for a couple, there are many locations in Canada where it may be possible to have your income tax return prepared at no charge.
The Canada Revenue Agency trains a number of volunteers annually who prepare those returns in clinics in a number of areas of Canada. There are about a dozen such locations in our area. Also, for some more or less housebound seniors, people with disability, etc. there are some volunteers who come to one's home to prepare their return.
This is only available for fairly simple returns - it does not include income from a business, rentals, substantial or varied types of income from investments, etc.
It does include situations where low-income folks are applying for Guaranteed Income Supplement.
If you contact the Canada Revenue Agency, they can tell you whether the service is available in your area and particulars regarding eligibility, locations, times, etc.
Memo to U.S. folks: Is there such a service offered in the U.S.?
If there is, quite likely they would appreciate some of you offering to help prepare such returns, if you have the time.
If not, how about suggesting to the I.R.S. that they organize and oversee such a program?
If enough of you make such a suggestion ... maybe you'll get their attention.
Squeaky wheels ...get greased!
Well ... sometimes they do.
ole joyful | 
