DETAILS
Community Volunteer Income Tax Program eligibility requirements:
Family Size/Maximum Income
- 1 person/$35,000
- 2 persons (couple)/$45,000
- For each dependent, add $2,500 to the above income level.
The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program does not prepare taxes for those with:
- Farming and fishing income
- Self-employed income
- Deceased persons
- Interest exceeding $1,000
- Rental/business income
- Bankruptcies
- Capital gains or losses
- Foreign income
With the advent of spring comes the inevitable dread of tax season. April 30 is just around the corner and that means that the federal government has likely mailed you your 2020 tax forms. The good news is that the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is once again up and running for local residents who meet the eligibility requirements and restrictions. The best news is that it's still free.
The program was originally administrated through the Community Information and Volunteer Centre up until last year when that organization folded. It had hundreds of clients, clearly demonstrating a public need so the St. Albert Food Bank and Community Village picked it up.
"Last year we had over 500 participants which was a true testament to how important it is when folks came in even though COVID-19 had thrown a bit of a monkey wrench into the process," explained food bank director Suzan Krecsy.
The program actually provides free income tax preparation throughout the year but in terms of tax season, the doors opened only last week. Krecsy said that anyone who wants to sign up should not delay as it has already seen a strong response from the public, making it likely that it will continue to be busy throughout the next two months.
"While this program is active year-round, the busiest time of year is right now."
She pointed out that people must have their taxes done in order to apply for OAS, Alberta Supports and AISH as well as other government assistance programs.
The volunteers are trained by the Canada Revenue Agency to help you complete your income tax and benefit return. This year, people are allowed to drop off their tax information as opposed to staying on site while they are being helped.
The program actually provides free income tax preparation throughout the year and in English, French (Braille), and Spanish. Due to COVID-19, there will not be any in-person tax appointments this year.
Appointments are now being booked by contacting the St. Albert Food Bank and Community Village at 780-459-0599 ext. 4 or via email to Crystal Gossmann at [email protected] to book an appointment. For more information on the program, visit the Government of Canada's website.
Cheers as firefighting equipment arrives in Santiago
It's been a few years since Canadian Association of Fire Services Abroad (CAFSA) was in active operation, so its head Victor Fernández made its grand return by doing a return of his own. The charity works to solicit fire departments for their used and expired but still serviceable fire equipment, which he would then refurbish and transport to other fire departments in need in countries all around the world.
A care package filled with 80 firefighters' masks recently arrived at Station 18 in Santiago, Chile - Fernández's old fire department.
CAFSA is a one-man show but he still relies on others to connect him with equipment like those 3M Scott Masks (AV 2000, AV 3000, and AV 3000HT) that are now saving firefighters' lives in South America.
Respiratory protection is everyone's number one priority these days but for front line workers such as firefighters in many Central and South American countries, it is out of reach as most do not have their own personal mask as part of their personal protective equipment. Many fire departments require one mask to be shared among 10 responders, he noted.
If you can help with more equipment or if you know of a fire department that can, please contact Fernández by phone at 780-913-4788 or via email at [email protected].
