Salvation Army income tax clinics ease burden of tax season for low-income earners
Tax season can be a stressful time for many, but for those living on a low, or fixed-income, the cost of filing a return can be a burden. To ease this burden, many Salvation Army locations offer complimentary tax preparation clinics to those who qualify, throughout March and April.
For those who take advantage of the clinics, it’s more than simply following the law or even the hope of a refund. Without filing income tax, individuals do not qualify for GST credits, property tax credits, child tax benefits, or old age pension. This could have a significant impact for anyone, but especially those living on a low-income.
Most clinics are a result of the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), a partnership between Revenue Canada and various community groups. Often The Salvation Army provides staff, space and materials while the CRA offers training and tax software for the volunteers and a coordinator to guide the clinics.
The partnership aims to link qualified tax return volunteers with individuals who have a modest income and a simple tax situation. The maximum income guideline varies based on your personal situation – such as if you are married or have children – but begins with a maximum of $30,000 for individuals.
In Moncton, over 1,200 people took advantage of tax clinics offered last year at The Salvation Army’s Community and Family Services location. Moncton has an additional partnership with the Society of Deaf and Hard of Hearing, which allows some reserved spots at select clinics for clients who require an interpreter.
This year, Moncton Community and Family Services have expanded their tax clinics to allow for increased accessibility. General public clinics and seniors’ tax clinics (ages 55+) will be held separately. “We want to make the process as easy as possible and felt that this was a way to better accommodate everyone,” says Natasha Burkett director of Community and Family Services in Moncton.
If you still haven’t filed your taxes by April 30th, 2016 and live in Moncton please call Community and Family Services to book an appointment. “We file taxes for those in need year-round,” says Natasha. “We can file taxes for up to ten years if people have missed filing for a period of time.”
Additionally, tax clinics are offered at Salvation Army locations in Saint John, and Fredericton in New Brunswick, Halifax and Springhill, N.S. In areas where The Salvation Army does not offer tax clinics, they are usually knowledgeable of other organizations or volunteers in the community that do. CLICK HERE for a directory of Salvation Army locations throughout the Maritime provinces.
NOVA SCOTIA
Halifax – Every second Thursday throughout March and April, from 1 – 4 p.m. By appointment only. – 2038 Gottingen Street. Contact Halifax Community & Family Services (CFS) at: 902.422.1598.
Springhill – Every Friday throughout the month of April – 93 Main Street. Contact Springhill CFS: 902.597.3954.
NEW BRUNSWICK
Moncton – General Public – Every Friday, from 1 – 4 p.m. – 32 King Street. (Clinic closed Good Friday, March 25)
Moncton – Seniors’ (Ages 55+) – Every Tuesday, from 9 a.m. – noon – 20 Centennial Drive. Contact Moncton CFS at 506.389.9901.
Fredericton – Every Thursday throughout March and April, from 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. – 531 St. Mary’s Street. Contact Fredericton CFS at 506.453.1706.
Saint John – Every Monday and Tuesday throughout March until April 27, from 9 a.m. – noon & 1 – 2:30 p.m. 27 Prince Edward Street. Contact Saint John CFS at 506.634.1633.
