The Grey Bruce Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is making a big difference for low-income residents.
The program, known as CVITP, offers free tax preparation for low-income individuals and families.
Jill Umbach, Coordinator of the Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force, said the program is more than just tax prep.
"Increasingly, the government is flowing more money through people when they file their taxes," added Umbach. "So it's so critical for people with low income in particular that they file their taxes to get the benefits from the federal and provincial government."
During March and April, dozens of tax clinics across the region are offering filing services - free of charge - through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. The clinics are being held at Bruce County libraries, community social organizations and seniors' centres with drop-off, by appointment or virtual options available. In 2022, the CRA reported 2,430 individuals were assisted to file 2,640 tax returns by 14 community organizations in 20 locations across Bruce County and Grey County.
Volunteers with the program helped bring huge returns in benefits and refunds to local households for the 2023 tax season.
"In Bruce County alone, they're looking at $1.6 million coming back in terms of financial returns and benefits," Umbach pointed out. "And when we put the three programs that we case studied, it's $3.2 million, almost $3.3 million, coming back into the community."
According to a new report, the program connects residents with vital government benefits, like the Canada Child Benefit and GST/HST credits.
Around 10 to 20 per cent of Canadians don’t file their taxes and are missing out on government benefits as a result. Homeowners are most likely to file than renters, and people with lower income are less likely to file than people living above the poverty line.
“I’m proud to once again support the Free Tax Clinics offered across Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound by many local community groups and services.” MP Alex Ruff, “My thanks to all these organizations and individuals that make this great service possible for those in need.”
The Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force has created a 211 listing @ freetaxclinics.ca or people can call 211 and find a clinic near you.
Library Director Brooke McLean said the funds help with essentials like housing, food, and utilities.
Eligibility for help from a free tax clinic is based on annual income. The maximum eligible income is $35,000 per year, with the threshold increasing for each additional member of a household. However, adjustments can be made based on local economic factors, according to CRA.
Tax filers must also have a "simple tax situation," meaning they don't earn income from self-employment, business, rental, interest, capital gains or foreign sources. They also can't have declared bankruptcy during the tax year.