The income tax deadline is looming and that means the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is gearing up to help low-income Revelstokians prepare their forms.
The program is operated by a group of volunteers working under the guidance of Canada Revenue Agency. They recently completed their training session, which keeps them up-to-date with changes that may affect their clients.
“Our purpose is to assist people with low incomes prepare their tax returns,” says Program Coordinator Bill Shuttleworth. “Quite often these people have no tax to pay nor any refund due but filing their return is critical to maintaining benefits such as the HST rebate. For many, filing a return is a daunting task that they are afraid to tackle, some even needlessly postponing it until benefits are cut off.”
This is a free service but to qualify, a person must have simple income less than $25,000 (single) or $35,000 (couple).
The program also offers information about obtaining benefits such as Child Tax credits, Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement.
“Qualifying for even a small portion of the GIS can open the doors to several other benefits for low income members of our community,” Shuttleworth said.
The program’s hours are listed in the What’s On section of The Current, as well as below:
- Wednesday, March 2nd 9:00 til noon Seniors’ Centre
- Thursday, March 3rd 7:00pm – 9:00pm Community Centre
- Wednesday, March 9th 9:00 til noon Seniors’ Centre
- Thursday, March 10th 7:00pm – 9:00pm Community Centre
- Wednesday, March 16th 9:00 til noon Seniors’ Centre
- Thursday, March 17th 7:00pm – 9:00pm Community Centre
- Wednesday, March 23rd 9:00 til noon Seniors’ Centre
- Thursday, March 24th 7:00pm – 9:00pm Community Centre
- Wednesday, March 30th 9:00 til noon Seniors’ Centre
- Thursday, March 31st 7:00pm – 9:00pm Community Centre
For more information please contact program coordinator Bill Shuttleworth at 250-837-5901
