Individuals who make under $30,000 a year are eligible for help with a community tax clinic.
Organized by Ethel McLellan, for Family and Community Support Services, private and public tax clinics have been organized to help individuals file their T1 general returns. Couples with a joint income of $40,000 are also eligible.
Private clinics have been organized for seniors at Sunrise Village, the Rising Sun Clubhouse and Reid Manor. Public clinics have also been organized at the Seniors Drop-in Centre and McLellan invites folks who need help filing come to the clinic.
They keep busy this time of year.
“Historically we do around 200 tax returns,” explained McLellan.
Volunteers use a program called UFile, which ensures proper filing and faster returns, she explained.
Betty Cook is a volunteer who has been helping folks for the last 20 years. She enjoys assisting seniors, who would not normally be able to file their own tax returns. Some have even wanted to pay her but as a volunteer she does not accept any money.
Public tax clinics are set for March 18 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., also April 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. and April 8 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
McLellan recommends attending a clinic as there will be more help at that time but if people are unable to make it, she suggests they call FCSS at 403-783-4462 to make an appointment.
“We’ll do tax forms till May 15,” said McLellan.
FCSS has been helping individuals file their T1s for the last 20 years.