Tackling Taxes – Make Sure You Get the Benefits You’re Entitled To!

As of February 26, 2018, the Canada Revenue Agency has opened up online filing of personal income tax returns for the 2017 tax year. There are lots of reasons to file your taxes, even if you have a low income.  Keeping up-to-date on your tax returns gives you access to benefits and services such as:

  • GST Credits and the BC Low Income Climate Action Tax Credit;
  • Child Tax Benefits
  • Registered Disability Savings Plan Grants and Bonds, and;
  • Other income tested programs including subsidized housing and MSP Premium Assistance coverage.

There are several great free tax filing options available if you have a simple tax situation.  Many communities in BC have free tax clinics.  The CRA keeps a list of volunteer tax filing clinics on its website at:
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/vlntr/clncs/bc-eng.html.

Do you cringe at the thought of preparing your tax return?  If so, Tax Aid DABC may be able to help!  We can file up to 10 years of simple tax returns for people who receive provincial disability benefits (PWD or PPMB), no matter where in BC they live.  We can also provide information about and assistance accessing the Disability Tax Credit for anyone in BC who would be eligible to open the Registered Disability Savings Plan if they are approved for the Disability Tax Credit.

Are you comfortable using a computer? If so, you can prepare and file your tax return yourself using one of the multiple income tax preparation programs available.  One option we like is Simple Tax (https://simpletax.ca/) a by-donation service that you can access through an internet browser. We’ve produced a handy help sheet in several languages about how to file your return using this program.  You can find it on our website: www.disabilityalliancebc.org.

We’re here to help you access the tax benefits you are entitled to.  If you or someone you know receives PWD or PPMB benefits and needs help catching up on filing their income taxes, contact Tax AID DABC at: taxaid@disabilityalliancebc.therightfitbc.org or call (604) 872-1278 or toll free at: 1-800-663-1278.