Dollars and Sense

Low-income individuals, families, and seniors can receive free help with their 2005 income tax return. If your tax situation is simple, and you are unable to pay for assistance, the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is available to assist.

In 2005, more than 6000 tax returns for low-income individuals in the area were completed with the assistance of this program. Many individuals rely heavily on the benefits to which they are entitled, and failure to file a return can result in the loss of much needed income. The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) requires an annual application - or it can be renewed by filing an income tax return. Statistics Canada recently reported that more than 200,000 individuals missed out on payments of roughly $300,000,000 (three-hundred million).

The Saint John Human Development Council, the Saint John Volunteer Centre and the Canada Revenue Agency are working with organizations that will be participating in the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program this year. Together they have been able to coordinate clinics in the Saint John area for the upcoming filing season. Local agencies offering tax preparation clinics include: PRUDE Access Centre, St Joseph'’s Community Health Centre, ONE Change, and the Seniors Resource Centre.

In Sussex - the Branch 20 Legion, and in St. Stephen the Volunteer Centre of Charlotte County are offering clinics.

For more information about this program call the Canada Revenue Agency, 1-800-959-8281, or go online to www.cra.gc.ca/volunteer. Download the schedule of clinics here. (There will be NO CLINICS held on Good Friday, April 14, or Easter Monday, April 17, 2006.)