Thinking about starting monthly donations to DABC? Now's the time!

As we near the end of March, now is the best time to start a new monthly donation to DABC via CanadaHelps.com — as we will receive an extra $20 from the site for each new monthly donor who signs up by March 31.

Click the link here to set up your monthly donation today: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/99706.

Being a monthly DABC donor is a special kind of support that grows over time— remember to choose a recurring gift size that you can see yourself feeling good to sustain long-term. As inspiration, here is a quote from donor Johanna Bleecker:

“I briefly worked for Disability Alliance BC in 2020. During that time, I had the opportunity to see firsthand how impactful the programs are and how dedicated the staff are to their clients and the organization’s mission. DABC helps people with disabilities navigate an extremely difficult system, while working to change that system for the better. 

As a queer person, I was extra impressed by the fact that while I was working there, DABC held a comprehensive staff training on working with transgender clients. I signed up as a monthly donor as soon as I stopped working at DABC, and I’ve been donating ever since. 

I have worked and volunteered with nonprofits for many years and monthly donations, no matter the amount, make a huge difference in the ability of nonprofits to plan ahead and have stability in their work. It’s exciting to get my year-end tax receipt and see how much my monthly donations have added up to, especially since the monthly donations are so easy to factor into my budget that I don’t even notice when they’re going out. 

As someone with an invisible illness and who has many friends and family members with disabilities, I dream of a world where everyone could easily access the care and support that they need when they need it. DABC helps us work with the world we’ve got, and they do it with so much care and compassion. I’m proud to be a monthly donor, and I hope I will inspire others to sign up as monthly donors as well.”

April 30th is the Tax Filing Deadline!

If you haven’t yet filed your 2023 income taxes, there’s still time! The deadline for filing 2023 income taxes is Tuesday, April 30th, 2024.

If you are a person with a disability living in BC on a low income, Tax AID DABC can help with filings for current and previous years. We offer one-on-one tax filing assistance in person, by phone, and by video conference.

Did you know that Tax AID DABC also offers drop-off tax filing services? If your tax situation is simple, you can drop off your tax information to our advocates for faster support. Bring your ID and tax slips to our office and pick up your package once your taxes have been completed. DABC’s office is located at 1450-605 Robson Street, Vancouver.

Regardless of whether you just drop off your tax info or meet with an advocate for assistance, please ensure that you have all of your tax slips ready in advance.

To access our online booking service or for contact info, please visit our website: https://taxaiddabc.org/tax-appointment-2/.

Tax AID DABC is Seeking Volunteer Tax Preparers

Who We Are

Since 1977, Disability Alliance BC (DABC) has been a provincial, cross-disability voice in British Columbia. We champion issues impacting the lives of people with disabilities through our direct services, community partnerships, advocacy, research, and publications.

Our mission: to support people, with all disabilities, to live with dignity, independence, and as equal and full participants in the community.

Program Description

Tax AID DABC partners with the Together Against Poverty Society, the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society, and the Active Support Against Poverty Society, to provide free support to people with disabilities across BC to file their taxes.

Job Description

DABC is seeking several volunteers who are passionate about community work to join our Tax AID program, year-round. Volunteers will work one-on-one to assist people with disabilities with their income taxes, with supervision of the Senior Tax Advocate. Volunteers will work remotely and will be able to set their own schedule.

Skills and Assets

Successful Volunteers must have:

• 2+ years of experience with client tax filling, including self-employment taxes
• Good computer and technology skills; (Microsoft Office Suite, experience working with UFile is an asset)
• Excellent attention to detail
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills 
• A strong desire to help and serve our community of people with disabilities
• An ability to maintain strict confidentiality

Successful Volunteers must also be able to:

• Pass a Criminal Record Check
• Obtain an EFILE number (personal tax filings are current; no outstanding tax debt; not in bankruptcy)

Duties

• Complete income tax returns in accordance with Revenue Canada guidelines
• Report questions or concerns to the Income Tax Clinic supervisor

Benefits of Volunteering

• Help individuals get or maintain uninterrupted access to benefits and credits
• Give back to the community
• Increase personal tax knowledge
• Gain new skills and improve existing ones
• Receive training, support, and reference materials including free tax software

Training and Orientation

• Orientation to Tax AID DABC programs, policies, and procedures
• Canada Revenue Agency online webinars
• Virtual supervision by Income Tax Clinic supervisor

Application Deadline: rolling application until all spots are filled

DABC is an open and diverse organization that promotes inclusive hiring practices. We encourage applications from qualified applicants who identify as visible minorities, Indigenous persons, and of all sexual orientations, gender expressions and identities. People with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

If you are interested in applying, please submit a resume to Cynthia Minh, Director, Tax AID, cynthia@disabilityalliancebc.org (Please indicate “Volunteer Tax Preparer” in the email subject line).