The advent of spring means only three things: melting snow, the returning robins and countless thousands of people chewing their nails over their income tax returns.

Luckily, the Community Information and Volunteer Centre is again offering its help to those who need it most.

The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is back up and running for the 16th year in a row.

Vivian Leland, the co-ordinator of the program, said that it’s one of the CIVC’s best-kept secrets, despite the fact that it’s always growing in popularity.

“We had more than 270 clients last year which is awesome. We started off with 40 or 50,” she stated.

“It’s growing every year.”

The service is offered by trained volunteers and is only available for seniors, people with disabilities and low-income residents who fit within specific income level parameters:

• $30,000 for one person

• $37,000 for two people

• $40,500 for three people

• $43,500 for four people

The CIVC’s tax help volunteers also are not allowed to prepare returns that involve income from capital gains, farm income, rental income, self-employment, fishing income, bankruptcies, deceased persons or those with interest income exceeding $1,000.

“A lot of people cannot afford to get their taxes done. Here’s a free service.”

Leland added that some people are so thankful that they try to offer cash for the help anyway. The volunteers are not allowed to accept any payment.

“Sometimes they’ll bring a tomato plant and say, ‘Can you use that?’”

Clients must bring all relevant tax slips and receipts (including T4, T4A and medical receipts) to their appointments.

For more information about the program or eligibility, or to inquire about booking an appointment, please call the centre at 780-459-6666 or visit www.stalbertcivc.com. The deadline to file 2012 income tax returns is Tuesday, April 30.

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