Salvation Army tax clinics aim to take the stress out of the season for those in need

by Maritime
Categories: News Archive
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    Tax season can be a stressful time for anyone. For those battling poverty, tax season can be not just another headache, but a roadblock to securing critical funds.

    For that reason, Salvation Army locations in all three Maritime provinces offer complimentary tax preparation clinics to those who qualify, throughout March and April.

    Most clinics are a result of the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), a partnership between Revenue Canada and various community groups. Often The Salvation Army provides staff, space and materials while the CRA offers training and tax software for the volunteers and a coordinator to guide the clinics.

    WEB SidebarThe partnership aims to make qualified tax return volunteers accessible for individuals who have a modest income and a simple tax situation. The maximum income guideline varies based on your personal situation – such as if you are married or have children – but begins with a maximum of $30,000 for individuals.

    For those who take advantage of the clinics, it’s about a lot more than simply adhering to the law or even the hope of a refund. Without filing income tax, individuals do not qualify for GST credits, property tax credits, child tax benefits, or old age pension, which could make a significant impact for anyone, but especially for those living on a low or fixed-income.

    As is always the case with tax season, the clock is ticking. The deadline for filing a 2014 tax return – and for making any payment on amounts owing before accumulating interest – is April 30, 2015.

    In Moncton, over 1,000 people took advantage of tax clinics offered last year at The Salvation Army’s Community and Family Services location (32 King Street). In that city, an additional partnership with the Society of Deaf and Hard of Hearing allows some reserved spots at select clinics for clients who require an interpreter.

    “In most cases, the people who access this service are young families and seniors who are already struggling to make ends meet on a low income,” Natasha Burkett, Director of Moncton CFS, says. “We want to ensure that clients receive all the benefits they qualify for, that they avoid any interruptions of regular payments they rely on and that we alleviate any further financial stress to the individual by offering this service free of charge.”

    On Prince Edward Island, our Charlottetown CFS (158 Fitzroy Street) is holding a tax clinic for the first time. Working out details with CVITP since last fall, CFS worker Beth Cruwys is excited that the program is going to be rolled out later this month.

    “I see several families that are struggling with costs and often find dealing with the complexities of the income tax system simply an overwhelming task,” she says. “As a result, they are not getting the monies that could be allotted to them, or in some cases they are not aware of benefits they could be receiving.

    “The most important thing that will benefit our clients is the safety they feel, and the relationship we provide, makes it a comfortable and confidential place where they feel welcomed and supported.”

    Additionally, tax clinics are also offered at Salvation Army locations in Saint John, N.B., Fredericton, Halifax and Springhill, N.S. Even in areas where The Salvation Army does not offer tax clinics, they are often aware of other organizations or volunteers in the community that do. CLICK HERE for a directory of Salvation Army locations throughout the Maritime provinces.

    Salvation Army Tax Clinics across the Maritimes

    NOVA SCOTIA
    Halifax – Every second Thursday through March and April, beginning March 5, from 1-4 p.m., by appointment. Contact Halifax Community & Family Services (CFS) at (902) 422-1598.

    Springhill – Select Fridays in March (6, 13, 27) and April (10, 17, 24) from 1-4 p.m., by appointment. Contact: (902) 597-3954.

    NEW BRUNSWICK
    Moncton – Tuesdays and Fridays throughout March and April, from 1-4 p.m. No appointment necessary. Contact Moncton CFS at (506) 389-9901.

    Fredericton – Thursdays throughout March and April, from 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Contact Fredericton CFS at (506) 453-1706.

    Saint John – Mondays and Tuesdays throughout March and April. Contact Saint John CFS at (506) 634-1633.

    PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
    Charlottetown – Beginning later in March dates TBD. Contact CFS at (902) 892-8870.