Salvation Army Offers Free Accessible Tax Clinics

Tax season can be overwhelming and unpredictable. For some, the biggest concern when it comes to taxes may be the amount of the return, for others it could simply be if they will be able to afford to file them at all. Thankfully, The Salvation Army in Kingston, Ont. offers accessible volunteer income tax clinics for low-income families and individuals.

“There are so many benefits for people to have their income taxes done and use services such as ours. It would be next to impossible for them to be able to access all the financial benefits without it,” said Bonita McCourt, community and family services director at the Kingston Citadel.

The program is officially recognized as a volunteer income tax clinic by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This service is available for individuals earning $35,000 annually or less, and for couples earning $45,000 or less.

“Our preparers go above and beyond to try to ensure that individuals get their income tax prepared for them so they can receive the benefits from having them done.”

The Kingston Citadel’s tax clinics have been running since 1975 thanks to the program’s dedicated volunteer preparers. After the pandemic, the clinics shifted to being mostly virtual. This arrangement made it easier for clients and volunteers to work around their regular schedules.

However, in-person sessions are also available for those with accessibility needs. At times preparers will go to places such as shelters, long-term care facilities, and hospitals to assist people with their tax needs. Regardless of what format is needed, the preparers will do their best to make themselves available.

“Our preparers go above and beyond to try to ensure that individuals get their income tax prepared for them so they can receive the benefits from having them done,” Bonita said.

According to Catharine Pollitt, coordinator of the tax clinic program, the preparers are mostly retired professionals. They have all received training from the CRA and attend webinars throughout the fiscal year to ensure they stay up to date with all guides and regulations.

This year the first tax clinics will take place from March 6 to May 12. There will be additional clinics running once to twice a month throughout the summer depending on demand. The Volunteer Income Tax Clinics operate solely on donations.

“Because this is a no-cost program, it relies on donations.”

“Because this is a no-cost program, it relies on donations. We need funds to run the clinics because even though we have volunteers, there are other expenses we incur from operating a clinic,” Bonita said.

By Juan Romero