Springtime means two things: robins on the lawn and your income taxes are due. If you’re one of the many who sweat over getting your financial picture over to the Canada Revenue Agency, the Community Information and Volunteer Centre is once again rolling out a program to help.
Its Community Volunteer Income Tax Program helps hundreds of people with modest incomes (such as students, seniors, and those with disabilities) to fulfil the annual obligation. Ryan Mullan, the organization’s director of information and referral, said that the free service fills a big need for a growing sector of the population.
“Last year, we had about 200 people and with that we also completed over 300 returns. Some people had multiple years to catch up on,” he said, adding that they have recruited twice the number of tax preparation volunteers over previous years.
The CRA offers an income framework for how clients can be accepted. For example, the maximum income that an individual can have is $35,000.
“They set limits on income and certain other complicated return types to make it easier on the volunteers to complete a large number of tax returns and help the most number of people who have modest income and fairly straightforward tax circumstances.”
Officially, it starts today but interest started building up as of Jan. 1, and volunteers were signing clients up for help. The CIVC’s intention is to offer the service once a month outside of the regular tax season during the rest of the year. Weekend and evening clinics are also going to become available in order to maximize the program’s reach.
The late Bob Morgan used to conduct tax help clinics at various local seniors’ homes to a very popular reception. After he passed away last year, another volunteer wanted to take that on to keep the tradition. Four seniors’ homes will be hosting once-weekly clinics until the program officially ends on April 30.
One of the volunteers is also trying to plan evening clinics to help people stay on top of their tax situation throughout the year but that is still in the works.
People should call the CIVC at 780-459-6666 or visit www.stalbertcivc.com to find out more and to book their appointment.
Guidelines
Maximum income levels<br />- Individual: up to $35,000<br />- Couple: up to $40,000<br />- Individual with dependent: up to $37,500<br />For each additional dependent, add $2,500 to the above income level.<br /><br />Returns cannot include income or expenses from:<br />- Interest income over $1,000 (total from all T5s received from bank or investment company)<br />- Self-employment<br />- Farming and fishing<br />- Deceased persons<br />- Bankruptcy<br />- Capital gains or losses, employment expenses, or business or rental income or expenses<br />- Other complex returns
