Free Tax Filing for Low-Income People in Strathroy

Joy (left) shows completed income tax form prepared by Major Roland Shea (right)
by SalvationArmy.ca
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To assist people with limited incomes, The Salvation Army in Strathroy, Ont., is providing a free income tax clinic where volunteers do tax returns for eligible people.

“I live on a fixed income,” says Joy Knight, 72. “The Salvation Army’s assistance means I don’t have to borrow money from family or delay payment of a bill to ensure my tax forms are completed.”

One in seven Canadians live in poverty. The income tax program, in partnership with the Canada Revenue Agency, eases financial burdens and, sometimes, puts more money into the pockets of people who need it most.”

“I’m grateful to The Salvation Army for providing the program.”

“This year, the Government of Canada has issued a new tax credit that many of our clients are unaware of,” says Major Roland Shea, program coordinator. “The Climate Action Incentive increases the refund of a single person by $154 and $231 for a married couple. That’s substantial for people who hurt financially.”

The Salvation Army’s program typically services over 200 residents. But Shea says that early indication show that the numbers will increase.

“More and more people are struggling to ‘just get by,’” says Shea.

Shea, who developed the program six years ago, says that some tax preparation companies are asking for $65-$150 to file.

“When you live on a limited income, sometimes you need extra help.”

“The people we serve are low-income seniors, single parents and individuals, and the unemployed,” says Shea. “They already struggle to make ends meet, so the program provides them a bit of a break.”

“When you live on a limited income, sometimes you need extra help,” says Knight. “I’m grateful to The Salvation Army for providing the program. It takes away the stress of having to decide what bill to delay paying or where I will cut back. I’m glad I don’t have to make that choice.”