The $400 BC renter’s tax credit is new for the 2023 tax year

By Vickie Smith, Tax AID Program, Active Support Against Poverty Society 

For the 2023 tax year, renters in British Columbia can claim a new tax credit of up to $400. 

Here’s what you need to know about the credit and how to claim it. 

This is a refundable credit: meaning if you do not have an amount owing to CRA, and you meet all the criteria, the $400 credit should be received as a refund. If you have an outstanding balance with CRA, this credit will be applied to decrease the amount you owe.  

To qualify, you must be either: 

• at least 19 years of age  
• OR in a common-law relationship or married  
• OR a parent of a child. 

You must also:

• have rented and occupied a unit in BC for at least 6 months of the calendar year you are filing AND 
• been a resident of BC on December 31 of that year* 

*A calendar year is January 1 to December 31 of the filing year. The 6 months do not have to be consecutive. 

Where there are partners, either common-law or married, only one member of the household may apply. If you were incarcerated for more than 6 months of the filing year you are not eligible. Rent paid to a relative, a campsite, a boat moorage, mobile home pad rentals or to a rent-to-own agreement are not considered valid for this credit.  

This credit is income tested: meaning the amount you are eligible to receive is based on the amount of adjusted family income you earned. Adjusted family income means the total income you and your spouse or common law partner have earned minus any government credits to which you are entitled.   

Those filing as single; common-law; married; or single with dependent/s having an adjusted family income of less than $60,000 will be eligible to receive the full $400.00 credit. Those with income between $60,000 and $80,000 can still receive a partial amount, with a reduction rate of 2% of the amount you make over $60,000.  

Every year, the income threshold will change to account for inflation.  

To claim this credit at the time of filing you must provide the following information for each location you are claiming:   

• an address 
• total of rent paid 
• total of months rented 
• the name or the landlord or organization. 

If you moved in the same year, be sure to include both landlords’ names, and how much rent you paid in each address.  

This information must be recorded on your tax refund at time of filing and any receipts or agreements should be kept as back up in case CRA has follow up questions. 

Vickie Smith is a tax advocate for the Tax AID program at Active Support Against Poverty Society. 

The Tax AID Partnership can help file your taxes. Find local support near you: 

METRO VANCOUVER AND FRASER VALLEY (and all of BC)
Disability Alliance BC
1450-605 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 5J3
Tel: 236-477-1717 Toll Free 1-877-940-7797
taxaid@disabilityalliancebc.org  

BC INTERIOR
Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society
442 Leon Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 6J3
Tel: 250-763-4905
taxdisability@kfs.bc.ca  

VANCOUVER ISLAND
Together Against Poverty Society
828 View Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 1K2
Tel: 250-361-3521
tax@tapsbc.ca  

NORTHERN BC
Active Support Against Poverty Society
1188 6 Ave, Prince George, BC V2L 3M6
Tel: 250-563-6112 Toll-free: 1-877-563-6112
taxaid@asaphs.com 

Tax Season at DABC

This post will fill you in on how DABC can help you this tax season!

Tax Filing Appointments

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

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

Drop-Off Services

Did you know that Tax AID DABC also offers drop-off tax filing services? If you are a person with a disability living in Vancouver and 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.

Upcoming Workshop

Tax Tips for People with Disabilities:

March 1st | 1 pm | Online |

Register: https://vpl.bibliocommons.com/events/656f6873b3e76837003184eb

In this information session, learn more about why everyone should file taxes and how to begin. Specific topics will include: an overview of non-refundable and refundable tax credits (Disability Tax Credit, Canada Caregiver Credit, Child Disability Benefit); medical expenses; readjusting your taxes, and options for tax relief.

Presented in partnership with the Vancouver Public Library.

Job Posting: Program Coordinator, Tax AID & Access RDSP

Who We Are

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

We work to support people with all disabilities to live with dignity, independence and as equal and full participants in the community.

Description of Programs

Tax AID

Tax AID is a DABC program that 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 income taxes for current and previous years. In addition to simple tax filing, we help with self-employment income, outstanding amounts owed to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), applying for other tax related government programs/benefits, and matters related to financial literacy.

Access RDSP

Access RDSP is a DABC program in partnership with Plan Institute and the BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS). This program is part of the financial literacy arm of our Advocacy Access Program. Building on the work of our collaborative partnership, the objective of this program is to promote the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) across BC, and to assist people with disabilities to access the DTC and open an RDSP. 

Job Description

DABC is seeking a Program Coordinator for our Tax AID and Access RDSP programs. This role contributes to maintaining the quality and sustainability of program services. The Program Coordinator will assist the Director of Tax AID & Access RDSP in supporting the day-to-day operations of both programs by managing client intake and inquiries, maintaining program policies and procedures, developing program materials, participating in strategic planning for both programs, coordinating outreach activities, and other tasks as reasonably required.

The position will be based out of DABC’s Vancouver office but may require occasional travel to other BC communities.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Director, Tax AID & Access RDSP, the Coordinator will carry out the following responsibilities and tasks:

• Respond to client inquiries over the phone, email, and in-person
• Screen clients for eligibility of Access RDSP and Tax AID services and conduct initial client intake 
• Ensure regular update of any program materials, including program manuals, educational resources, community resources and contacts list 
• Maintain and organize physical and digital files, as well as other program materials in the office 
• Provide accurate statistical information on participant activities for evaluations and reporting purposes
• Provide information and support to people with disabilities on the DTC, RDSP, and other tax related issues
• Keep up to date on any changes to policy and procedures relevant to the Access RDSP and Tax AID programs
• Liaise with community partners to schedule and arrange specific outreach activities
• Assist in the development of community awareness and outreach strategies through a variety of means including the development of educational materials, delivery of workshops, and establishment of new community partnerships
• In consultation with the Communications Coordinator, assist in the development of marketing and communications strategies
• Lead tasks and activities related to key projects and community partnerships
• Support the Tax AID and Access RDSP advocates with daily tasks 

Working hours: This position is for 32 hours/4 days a week. The office hours at DABC are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

The successful applicant must:

• Be able to work effectively with people with disabilities from a client-centered approach 
• Have a minimum 2 years combined post-secondary education and/or applicable work experience
• Have strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate complex concepts in plain language
• Have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with clients and staff across many diverse backgrounds
• Be self-motivated, adaptable, and able to work effectively with a team as well as independently
• Maintain a professional, respectful, and empathetic demeanor with clients and have the ability to manage client expectations as it relates to the capacity and scope of DABC’s services
• Have excellent organizational and critical thinking skills
• Be computer literate and proficient with Microsoft Office software, specifically Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Maintain the integrity and confidentiality of client information
• Be able to manage and sort through a significant volume of incoming communication.

The following are strong assets for this position: 

• Working knowledge of federal tax and financial programs for people with disabilities including the Disability Tax Credit, Registered Disability Savings Plan, Canada caregiver amount and other deductions
• Knowledge of tax law
• Experience with community outreach or program planning
• Experience in the non-profit sector
• Experience with a disability and/or supporting people with disabilities
• Knowledge and understanding of community resources available to people with disabilities
• Understanding of anti-oppression principles
• Experience working with design tools including Canva, or Adobe Creative Suite
• A driver’s license   

 Compensation

• Salary will be $40,000 per year with the potential for hours to be increased from 32 to 40 hours per week based on future funding.
• This position offers the following benefits after the successful completion of a three-month probationary period:
• 12 days of paid vacation annually
• 14.4 0 days of paid sick leave annually
• 100% of the cost of extended health and dental care benefit premiums
•  A generous Health Spending Account program 
• 2 weeks of paid time off during DABC’s annual holiday office closure in December.

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.

To Apply

Please submit a resume and brief covering letter addressed to Cynthia Minh, Director, Tax AID & Access RDSP at cynthia@disabilityalliancebc.org.  No phone calls please. 

Applications are due no later than 4:30 p.m. on January 2nd, 2024. DABC welcomes all applications, however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview.