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

Yes, many of them in virtually every city and town. Often college and university students assist with simple returns at free tax clinics. Also church groups, drop in centers, shelters, etc. enlist volunteers to donate their time and expertise.

TV stations and newspapers run Public Service Ads advising people within certain income confines where to go for free help.

Thanks for the info.

One should try to learn something new every day.

Thanks also to those who offer the service.

ole joyful