Complimentary income tax clinics are now underway at two Nanaimo locations, including Volunteer Nanaimo. (Image Credit: File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

tax time

Vulnerable flock to free Nanaimo tax filing service

Mar 5, 2026 | 5:31 AM

NANAIMO — Tax time can be stressful; however, two Nanaimo community-minded organizations are making life easier for thousands of people.

Volunteer Nanaimo is one of two local organizations assisting low income-earners with completing current and past income tax returns.

Volunteer Nanaimo is now scheduling complementary income tax appointments during most Friday’s and Saturday’s in March and April by donation.

“We’re probably booking 100 to 120 appointments a day on our tax days. We did close to 3,000 I think last year, plus what we do throughout the year,” Volunteer Nanaimo executive director Rita Innamorati said.

Free tax clinics are hosted across Canada through the Community Volunteer Tax Program (CVTP) for those with modest incomes and simple tax situations.

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Volunteer Nanaimo on Barons Rd. accepts appointments from people with annual incomes of a maximum of $40,000 for a single person, and $50,000 for a couple.

“We’ll be fully subscribed,” Innamorati told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Low-income earners can unlock funds through a variety of tax credit programs, she said.

“Any low-income individuals who are paying rent, there’s a $400 credit, so they’re very grateful for that.”

Income tax returns also gives the local economy a boost, Innamorati said.

She stressed the importance of their clients showing up to their scheduled appointments, and to phone ahead to cancel.

Volunteer Nanaimo’s income tax clinics also take place once a month between May and October.

Appointments must be arranged in advance at 250-758-7121.

The other Nanaimo organization offering free tax filings is the Nanaimo Disability Resource Centre on Departure Bay Rd.

Nanaimo is the only mid-Island community hosting the service.

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