ASSISTANCE WITH INCOME TAX

As the tax filing deadline approaches, the cost of paying for tax preparation is yet another source of anxiety for many of our members with low incomes. Here’s some information that may be of use at this late date.

The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is a collaboration between the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and community organizations. The organizations host tax preparation clinics and arrange for volunteers to prepare tax returns for individuals who have low income and a simple tax situation.

Revenue Canada’s site has links to a lists of volunteer clinics in cities across the country: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/vlntr/menu-eng.html

Note also that you may be eligible for the disability tax credit and that once you get it you may be able to have it applied retroactively. It is the precondition for the disability savings program as well as a credit for income tax purposes. You need only apply for it once, not every year.