Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force highlights growing importance of free tax filing as access to benefits expands
Owen Sound, ON — The Grey Bruce Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) continues to be a critical tool in reducing poverty and strengthening income security across the region, returning more than $10.4 million in refunds and benefits to local residents in 2025. (CRA/CVITP Stats Can, 31 Dec 2025).
- $10,440,800 was returned to residents in Grey Bruce for the year ending 31 December 2025. (Using an average of $3,100/tax return)
- 17 CVITP registered organizations in Grey Bruce completed 3,368 tax returns ($3,100 average x 3,368 = $10, 440,800)
- 3 CVITP registered organizations in Collingwood and Wasaga Beach filed 108 returns ($3,100 average x 108 = $328,600).
These returns unlocked vital federal and provincial benefits, putting money back into households and the local economy.
“Tax filing is one of the most powerful — and underused — poverty reduction tools we have,” said Jill Umbach, Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force. “When people file their taxes, they gain access to income supports that help stabilize housing, food security, health outcomes, and overall well-being.”
Real savings, real impact
Despite this impact, only a fraction of those eligible are currently accessing the program. In Grey Bruce, an estimated 41,400 people qualified for CVITP services in 2025, highlighting both the scale of need and the opportunity for growth.
In 2026, the eligibility income levels have increased to $40,000/1-person, $55,000/2 people, $60,000/3 people, $65,000/4 people, $70,000/5 people and more than 5 people/$70,000, plus $5,000 for each additional person.
Connecting people to essential benefits
Annual tax filing is increasingly required to access key government supports, including the Canadian Dental Care Plan and the upcoming Canada Disability Benefit. Following the announcement of the Dental Care Plan in 2025, Grey Bruce CVITP partners extended their services beyond the traditional tax season to help residents register and avoid missing out.
“Taxes are no longer just about refunds,” said Umbach. “They are the gateway to health care, disability supports, and income security — especially for people living on low or fixed incomes.”
Volunteers remain essential — even with automatic tax filing
While the federal government has announced plans for an Automatic Tax Filing pilot to start in 2027, the Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force stresses that community-based tax clinics will remain essential, particularly in rural areas.
Barriers such as lack of internet access, transportation challenges, housing insecurity, low financial literacy, and mistrust of government systems mean many residents still need in-person, trusted support to file accurately and access benefits.
“Automatic tax filing will help some people — but it will not replace the need for volunteers,” said Umbach. “Our communities rely on human connection, problem-solving, and year-round support that only local clinics can provide.”
Finding a free tax clinic in Grey Bruce
Free tax clinics are offered at multiple locations across Grey and Bruce counties, including libraries, community agencies, outreach services, and Indigenous organizations.
Residents can find a local Community Volunteer Income Tax Program clinic by calling 2-1-1, speaking with a community navigator or go to FreeTaxClinics.ca
Clinics are available for seniors, newcomers, people with disabilities, Indigenous community members, and individuals with low or modest incomes. Many clinics offer in-person appointments, and some provide year-round or outreach-based tax filing support.
Read more about the work of the Grey Bruce Community Volunteer Income Tax Program Network, hosted by the Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force, its research, tools and reports here.
