It’s that time of the year again, for individuals and families to file their taxes. Everyone – especially those with low-incomes – is encouraged to file their taxes this year since there are some really cool benefits for both individuals and families. In order to receive these benefits, you will need to complete your tax returns for 2016 (and previous years, if you haven’t already).
Some of the benefits available are: the Calgary Transit Low Income Monthly Bus Pass, where low income individuals can pay between $5.05 to $50.50 a month; and the Canada Learning Bond where families can get up to $2000 per child to be used for their post-secondary education. For more information about these benefits click on the links below:
Calgary Transit Low Income Monthly Bus Pass: http://calgary.ca/CSPS/CNS/Pages/Neighbourhood-Services/sliding-scale-fare-changes.aspx
Canada Learning Bond: https://www.smartsaver.org/pdf/CLB_lgl_English.pdf
United Way of Calgary and Area has also created an app so you can figure out what benefits you and/or your family might be eligible for. Just click on the link and take 5 minutes to answer the questionnaire. You will be very happy you did!
http://www.calgaryunitedway.org/our-work/guides-and-resources/benefits-navigator
This year, most Canadian income tax and benefits returns are due by midnight on May 1, 2017.
The Women’s Centre is currently running free tax clinics for low income women until May 18, 2017. After that, we’ll have drop-in clinics on Tuesdays at 12:30 pm and Wednesdays at 5:00 pm. After filing your taxes, Benefits Navigator volunteers are available to help you find the different programs and benefits you might be eligible for. The clinics are by appointments only and are booked a week in advance. To book an appointment, please call 403-264-1155.