CHESTERMERE – Tax season is just around the corner already, so volunteers for Chestermere Community Services are gearing up to help make the Community Volunteer Income Tax program a success in the community.
It is the first time that the program, which is offered through the Canada Revenue Agency, will be available in Chestermere. A couple of local residents volunteered there time and went through two days of training to learn everything there is to know about the system, the expectations, rules and confidentiality.
They will be offering the service from March 5 to 10, either by appointment or through a drop-off service.
Angela Normand, Community Resource Coordinator for Community Services, said that anyone from Chestermere or southeast Rocky View is welcome to use the service, as long as their income is low and the taxes are simple.
“We have two great people from the community who have volunteered their time to help residents with their taxes,” she said. “An appointment will take about half-an-hour or 45 minutes, and everything that needs to be done will be completed in that time.”
Normand said that she thinks the program will be especially beneficial for people who are struggling with their finances, and hopes it will help people save some money if they can.
“Spending an extra $60 to go somewhere like H&R Block could be difficult for someone on a tight budget,” she said. “If you don’t know how to do your taxes or can’t afford the software for doing them from home, then you’re stuck.
”So, a lot of people often don’t file their taxes, which limits them later because they’re not eligible for government services like Child and Family Benefits or GST.”
Normand said that for those who are low income and file their taxes properly, there are other beneficial programs to make use of, such as the Alberta Child Health Benefit.
“A lot of people don’t know that they can get prescriptions, dental, vision care and other services through those programs if their income is within a certain range, and if they get their taxes done,” she said.
Normand said that anyone interested can call her at 403-207-7079 to find out what paperwork needs to be submitted, if they qualify for the program, or if they have any further questions.
Visit www.cra-arc.gc.ca/volunteer for more information about the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program.
