Number-savvy volunteers are stepping up to help low-income earners file their tax returns.
The Okotoks Family Resource Centre is a host site for Canada Revenue Agency’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. Through the program, eligible citizens can have their tax returns completed by volunteers, who are provided with software from the CRA.
“It has to be a fairly simple return,” said Debbie Posey, community wellness manager for the Town of Okotoks. “If the person has self-employment income or a business or rental income, capital gains or have filed for bankruptcy, we can’t do those kinds of returns.”
She said the volunteers work hard during tax season, beginning March 3, and the typical turnaround is one week or less. They are equipped to electronically file returns once they’re completed, so clients receive their tax refunds fairly quickly, she added.
Eligibility is based on criteria set out by the CRA, including low income levels based on the number of people in a family and how simple the return is. If it is based solely on regular employment, pension, government benefits, support payments and scholarships, the return can be completed through the volunteer program.
Those who want to have help with their taxes can contact the Okotoks Family Resource Centre and make an appointment to bring in their income documentation, she said.
“We’re trying to do as much by appointment as we can, because it’s hard to have people lined up and sharing confidential information,” said Posey.
Staff will collect T4s and other income slips or receipts and place them in an envelope for volunteers to collect. The tax returns are done off-site at the volunteer’s home, and then returned to the Okotoks Family Resource Centre, she said.
It’s a program the Town has been offering for more than 15 years, she said.
“It’s incredibly helpful for our low-income clients,” said Posey.
She said sometimes it’s difficult for people to complete a return on their own for many reasons, from literacy issues to health concerns or other life stressors that get in the way, or not having access to computers with the software, and often these people can’t afford to have someone else do their taxes.
Not filing taxes can have a huge impact on low-income earners, she said, particularly those who receive government income of any kind.
“It can affect AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped), it can affect Alberta Works, it can affect pensions,” said Posey. “So filing an income tax return is an important way to get your government benefits, including child tax benefits.”
Because not filing can have such an affect on people, she said the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program does run year-round, though the preference is to complete returns during tax season.
If someone is behind on their income tax, and their returns are still simple, a volunteer can be contact to help out, she said.
The CRA program has been beneficial to the Town and many residents over the years, said Posey.
“It’s a great partnership with Canada Revenue and it really benefits low-income residents in our community,” she said.
Those interested in volunteering can email [email protected] or call 403-938-8936.
Anyone needing help filing a tax return, or with loved ones who require assistance, can contact the Okotoks Family Resource Centre at 403-995-2626.
