There are several things you can do.

• You can pay someone to do your return. The TV ads show people going to a storefront accountant, getting their refund early, and then buying all sorts of good things with the money they got back. In the background you see other people who didn't do this and are still waiting for their refund. They don't look very happy.

There are a couple of things the ads don't show.
You don't have to go to an accountant to send your tax form in early. Anyone can send in the return before the last day, not just people who get an accountant to fill out the form. The earlier you send in the form, the earlier you will get money back. Get it in before the rush.

The other thing that isn't mentioned is that you have to pay accountants. That's fair enough. Preparing tax returns is part of their job. They should be paid, but if your tax return is straightforward, you don't have to go to an accountant and pay for the service.

So what can you do if you can't afford to pay an accountant?

CCRA (Canada Customs and Revenue Agency) wants to make it as easy as possible for you to send in your tax return. They know that many people are worried about doing their own taxes. To deal with this problem, the agency trains volunteers to help people fill out their return.

• If you can't fill out your income tax and benefit returns by yourself and can't afford to pay someone to help you, CCRA's Community Volunteer Income Tax Program may be for you. If your income is low and your tax situation is simple, specially trained volunteers can help you complete your income tax and benefit return. Before you pay to have your forms completed, have a look around in the neighbourhood. CCRA's trained volunteers are available at tax centres and in many community centres. They will prepare your return for free.