The team of volunteers working out of Tsawwassen Alliance Church is gearing up again for the seventh year to file income tax returns for people in South Delta.
With a mix of volunteers from the church and community, the team prepared 200 tax returns last year.
More and more people take advantage of this community service each year.
The process of preparing a simple return can be daunting for some, and the cost of hiring a professional can be a real burden for lower income people.
The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) offered by Canada Revenue Agency works within communities across the country to help complete simple tax returns for eligible individuals.
Introduced in 1971, this program was intended to ensure all taxpayers had equal access to the tax system. Each year over 16,000 volunteers associated with nearly 3,000 community partners help more than 500,000 Canadians file their tax returns.
Even if you don't have tax to pay, you should file to take advantage of certain credits such as the GST rebate and the OAS supplement.
In order to qualify for assistance, you must meet the following criteria:
. Around $25,000 or less income for a single individual;
. Around $35,000 for a couple or an adult with one child;
. A simple tax return (no income from rental property, self employment, capital gains); and
. Investment income should not exceed $1,000.
The clinics operate on a drop-in basis; no appointments are necessary. They are held on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. during March and April.
For more information, call the Tsawwassen Alliance Church at 604-943-6148 or drop by on Saturdays.
