Now in its sixth year, the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program continues to offer free tax filing assistance to Morris area residents this spring.
The program is now accepting bookings for those who require aid filing their annual tax returns.
With support from the Valley Regional Library and training provided by Winnipeg-based Community Financial Counseling Services, volunteer Sean Conway runs the program to improve financial well-being in the community. The clinics help individuals and families with lower incomes, such as university students, newcomers, seniors, or those with accessibility challenges.
“These tax clinics aim to make a difference in people’s lives by preparing their returns at no cost, and enabling people to access rebates and benefits they might not know they qualify for,” he explained.
The free service has gained popularity since it started.
“In our first year we filed eleven returns,” shared Conway. Last year, the program served 72 clients, filing 58 returns. “Although I don’t file returns for all clients, together in the one-hour session we can open their CRA My Account and look at financial services available to them.”
Following qualification for the service, the client provides authorization for the tax return, always retaining the right to decline or accept the filing of the return prior to submission.
Conway learns something new every year and tries different ways of reaching the local community. Last year, notices were provided to users of the food bank and a remote clinic hosted at the Morris Manor.
He often dispels three common myths for clients:
1. “If I don’t earn an income, I don’t need to file taxes.” Many social benefits, such as GST or Canada Carbon Rebate, require a tax return to determine eligibility.
2. “I’m automatically in the system.” Benefits like the Canada Child Benefit are based on a client’s tax return. Without filing, a client is not entitled to these supports.
3. “I owe money, so I won’t file a return.” Filing is still important because monthly benefits can help offset any tax owed.
The biggest takeaway that Conway has realized in six years of providing the confidential service is of suspending judgment.
“We provide tax returns for complicated lives,” he said, noting the service is about building a relationship with the client, bringing awareness to supports available to them, and aiding those who live in lower socio-economic situations.
Even without previous paperwork, with client permission, program volunteers can retrieve past receipts on file at the CRA, allowing for back-filing up to ten years.
Clinics are being offered by appointment only on Mondays from 9 a.m. to noon and Fridays from noon to 3 p.m. from Feb. 28 to April 28.
Appointments can be booked by calling the library at 204-746-2136.
