Low-income families and individuals in Delta are once again turning to Deltassist for help filing their income tax returns.
The social services organization is offering free income tax counselling and consultation by appointment throughout April.
Trained volunteers assist in filing returns as well as answer any questions. Most of the volunteers have worked previously for the Canada Revenue Agency or H&R Block.
Deltassist expects 500 people will utilize the service this year.
Program coordinator Colleen Danes said a lot of low-income families depend on the free service.
“When you’re really budgeting and making sure you have food on the table, a place to live and to have your necessities, to pay for a service can be quite hard and can really put a struggle on you,” she said.
“A lot of people depend on that one time in the year because they get a good chunk back and you’re able to pay off your debt, as well as buy certain items that you might not be able to afford. It does help.”
Danes said there are benefits to filing a tax return even if a person has no income.
“It gives me hope and pleasure in helping other people,” she said. “I don’t think I could just push paper and not make an impact at all.”
The deadline to file is May 1. To schedule an appointment in the South Delta office, call 604-946-9526.
