As we reported here, in the 2020 tax season the CVITP served only 55% of the clients it had served in the previous year.  The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) attributes the dramatic decline to the public health restrictions introduced in 2020 to deal with COVID.

In preparing for the forthcoming tax season, the CVITP tax clinics will be subject to similar COVID related public health restrictions.  Furthermore, as of now, the CRA has given no indication that it will change the traditional filing deadline of April 30th to ensure the continuity beyond June 2021 of the many benefits which are conditional upon filing an up-to-date return.  Significant changes in practices and procedures are needed to avoid an outcome similar to last year’s.

What can be learned from the experience last year which can be applied to this year’s tax season and to future years when the public health restrictions are no longer an issue?

This article identifies 16 lessons.  We also invite our readers to share additional lessons drawing on their own experiences.