SNAP puts out an annual call to find volunteers for the upcoming tax season 

The Student Nutrition and Access Program (SNAP) is returning with its annual Tax Clinic for 2024 and looking for volunteers.  

Filing taxes is a crucial financial responsibility for students and the clinic plays a significant role in educating students, empowering them with knowledge about tax forms, their distinctions, and the overall processes.  

SNAP provides the tax clinic for free to GBC students with the help of student volunteers.  

“The role will provide interested students with relevant experiences filing taxes and working with clients. There’s no experience necessary, but [volunteers] must have a willingness to learn,” said Jessica Somersall, interim community services coordinator.  

Volunteers will receive training from the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) before the tax clinic sessions.  

Volunteers are expected to commit to around three to eight hours a week, depending on their availability.  

Current GBC students and alumni are eligible to apply.  

“You will have to have filed your taxes with the Canadian government in the past,” Somersall said. 

She added that volunteers will also be required to register as a CRA tax clinic volunteer through the Canadian Government income tax page to obtain an E-file number.  

“You will gain experiences in introductory income tax preparations working with a diverse client base, appointment and scheduling management, problem-solving, and resolving tax concerns,” said Somersall.  

Volunteers will receive a certificate of appreciation from the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) and the CRA.  

“We’re looking for about 15 to 20 volunteers. The more the merrier honestly, because we will be able to impact a lot of students. Last year we filed about 100 to 150 student taxes and we’re hoping to double it,” said Somersall. 

Interested individuals can register to be a tax clinic volunteer by filling out a form available on the Tax Clinic webpage https://www.studentassociation.ca/sagbc-tax-clinic/.  

The deadline to register is Jan. 31.  

Students looking to avail themselves of the tax clinic services can book appointments starting February this year.  

For further queries or any more information, students are encouraged to email SNAP Support or visit SNAP Offices during their opening hours.