Is There Free Tax Help on the Sunshine Coast?
Hayley Toth | Sunshine Coast Resource Centre
Filing taxes can feel overwhelming, but keeping your returns up to date is important. Not filing your taxes can mean missing out on benefits and supports such as dental coverage, child benefits, or other government programs that rely on current tax information. For many people, completing forms, meeting deadlines, or catching up on previous years’ returns can be stressful. The good news is that free, volunteer-assisted tax support is available to eligible Sunshine Coast residents.
The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), run in collaboration with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), provides free tax preparation assistance for eligible individuals and families. Volunteers help with both current and prior-year tax returns, offer guidance for completing forms accurately, and can even provide phone support for those with mobility challenges. CVITP is available year-round, but additional in-person clinics run March 1 to April 30, 2026. Eligible participants include individuals with income up to $55,000, families with income up to $65,000 for two people (plus $5,000 for each additional dependent). Please note couples will need to provide complete tax information for both spouses. The program does not serve clients with employment expenses, self-employment income, rental property income, or capital gains, and interest income must be less than $1,000.
Volunteers will file your taxes using certified software ensuring everyone receives the benefits & credits that they are entitled to. Of special note, there is a $400 Renters Benefit available to renters in BC (some conditions apply), a Disability Benefit of $200 per month for disabled adults aged 19 to 64 (Disability Tax Certificate (DTC) is required), and a disability tax credit for all disabled adults, including seniors, which can be used to reduce tax obligations (DTC required).
In-Person Appointments (March 1–April 30):
- Sunshine Coast Resource Centre, Sechelt:
Wed–Fri, 10 am–3 pm; by appointment 604-885-4088
- Sechelt Seniors Activity Centre:
Tue, 10 am–3 pm; by appointment 604-616-7041
- Sechelt Public Library:
Wed, 10am-6pm; by appointment 604 885-3260
Some Saturdays, 11am-3pm; by appointment 604 885-3260
- Gibsons & District Public Library:
Fri, 10am-5pm; by appointment 604 886-2130
- Pender Harbour Community School;
Mon, 9:30 am–1 pm; walk-in, first-come-first-served OR by appointment 604 741-5132
- Pender Harbour Health Centre:
Wed, 9 am–12 pm; walk-in, first-come-first-served OR by appointments 604-741-5132
Drop-Off / Pick-Up Tax Returns – Year-Round:
- Gibsons & District Public Library – during library hours
- VCH Home & Community Care Office, Sechelt – Mon–Fri, 9 am–3 pm
- Sunshine Coast Resource Centre, Sechelt – Mon–Thu, 10 am–2 pm
Drop-Off / Pick-Up Tax Returns – (March 1–April 30):
- Calvary Baptist Church, Gibsons – Tue–Fri, 9 am–1 pm
- Pender Harbour Community School, Sechelt – Mon–Fri, mail slot
- Pender Harbour Health Centre – Mon–Fri, 9 am–4 pm
To book an appointment please call each location directly. If you have questions about the program, or wish to book an appointment at the Resource Centre you can call us at 604-885-4088 or email help@resourcecentre.ca. For full program information, please visit our website resourcecentre.ca/program/taxes/. Using these volunteer tax services can save you money, reduce stress, ensure your tax returns are completed accurately, and help you receive the benefits you’re entitled to. The Sunshine Coast Resource Centre is here to connect you with CVITP and other community resources, providing practical support and guidance whenever you need it. Just ask—we’re here to help.