Community Financial Counselling Services

Free Tax Filing & Access to Benefits

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Since 2009, in partnership with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), CFCS provides free income tax preparation and access to benefits support for low income individuals and families through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. This service operates year-round and works in partnership with dozens of local organizations to provide accessible tax filing services to our communities. Please visit our dedicated taxes website for more information: www.cfcstaxes.com

Gambling Program
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The Gambling Program has been funded by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries since 2004 and works in partnership with the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (AFM). The Gambling Program supports individuals and their families struggling with financial concerns as a result of gambling behaviours. Financial counsellors with specialized addiction training provide free financial counselling and assessment which includes a review of options for repayment of debt. The program receives and makes referrals to addiction support programs including self-help groups, and works closely with those programs to provide integrated services.

Futures Forward

Community Financial Counselling Services has partnered with the Canadian Mental Health Association and Youth Employment Services to create a free program called Futures Forward. The program aims to help youth in care and after care (ages 15-29) to create supports in the community for financial counselling, personal counselling, emotional support, and employment training. The program also provides referrals for addiction supports, assistance with obtaining identification, and tuition waiver application assistance.

Education and Information (Financial Literacy)

CFCS offers information, sessions, workshops, and resources on Financial Literacy topics to community groups, agencies, and organizations whose employees/clients might benefit. These sessions may include information on budgeting and money management, as well as other topics related to financial well-being. There is no charge for this service for non-profit and community groups.

Over-the-Phone Tax Preparation

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TAX SEASON 2026

OPEN: March 2 – May 1, 2026

OFF SEASON 2026

Will open in May, 2026 – Dates to be confirmed

Monday to Thursday, closed Fridays
10:00am – 3:00pm
If you leave us a voicemail, we will return your call as soon as we can within 10 business days. You can also book an appointment online to guarantee a call back on a certain day.

WHAT IS IT?

Canada Revenue Agency has allowed the use of virtual tools like phones and video calls to assist organizations in preparing income tax returns for their clients through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. The CFCS Over-the-Phone virtual tax preparation service will use phone calls to help get your taxes done.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

It’s easy! Just a few steps:

Step One – Contact Us – Call the number below and speak with us or leave a voicemail with your name and your phone number if we aren’t able to answer. OR Request an appointment online using the contact form at the bottom of the page.
Step Two – Screening Call – A screening volunteer or staff member may call you first to check if you are eligible for this service and to ensure that you have all the documents you’ll need in order to successfully file your taxes. After this call you can make sure to gather any documents you’ll need and get ready for your tax preparation call with your tax preparer.
Step Three – Tax Preparation Call – A tax preparation volunteer will call you, verify your identity, and then prepare your taxes over the phone with you. If you have a lot of years to file or the volunteer needs time to get some information, they may offer to call you back so that you don’t have to wait on the line.
Step Four – Documents Mailed Back to You – That’s it! Once your returns are complete, your tax summaries will be mailed to you to keep for your records.

WHO IS THIS FOR?

If you are eligible for having your taxes filed through the CVITP (find out if you are eligible by clicking HERE), and have access to a phone, then this is a great option for you!

HOW TO PREPARE

If you are married or in a common-law relationship, your partner should also be present so that your returns can be filed together, ensuring correct benefit calculations.

Your screening call will help to make sure you know what information is required, but in general you should know:

• Your name as it is on file with Canada Revenue Agency
• Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Your date of birth
• If you have any children under 18 who live with you or infirm adults in your care, know their name, date of birth, SIN, and net income
• Your sources of income, especially any casual labour or tips that you didn’t get a T-slip for
• Eligible medical expenses (you can request a printout from your pharmacy!)
• Charitable donations
• Rent or property tax info

READY TO GO?

Call us at 204-989-1913

Schedule Virtual Appointment Online

Please note: When we return your call, it may come from 204-813-1569 or 204-989-1900

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