It’s that time of year when tax receipts start arriving in the mail and it’s time to prepare last year’s tax return.
While some folks have accountants or go to businesses to have their tax returns done, some local organizations lend a helping hand to low-income seniors.
The Seniors Services Society, located at 750 Carnarvon St., provides an annual income tax clinic for seniors Monday to Friday from March 1 to April 29. The program is for individuals 55 or older, who have simple tax returns (interest income is less than $1,000) and earn $30,000 or less if they’re single or $40,000 or less if they’re a couple.
Appointments are available by calling 604-520-6621. People must have their 2015 notice of assessment or tax summary, all of their “T” slips (such as T4As), and receipts for medical, donations and monthly transit passes.
The New Westminster branch of ACORN Canada also offers year-round assistance with taxes for low-income Canadians. A community volunteer program through the Canada Revenue Agency, the free service is open to single people making less than $35,000 a year and couples or single parents making less than $40,000.
To book an appointment, call ACORN at 604-522-8707.
The New Westminster Public Library is also offering two orientation sessions to help newcomers understand the Canadian taxation system and how to file a personal tax return. A professional accountant will explain the basic taxation system, tax credits, how to report foreign assets and more at these free sessions.
The Saturday, Feb. 27 session runs from 10 a.m. to noon and will be conducted in Mandarin. Register with SUCCESS at 604-430-1899 or at the library at 604-527-4667 or [email protected].
The Saturday, March 5 session runs from 10 a.m. to noon and will be conducted in French.
