Redwater volunteer income tax program

By Grant Cree

Redwater Community Services hosts a volunteer program to help residents file their income tax and benefit returns at no charge. The free program ends April 21 and is available for one person with a maximum income of $35,000 to a family of five with a maximum income of $52,500.

“Individuals need to do their taxes every year to qualify for many federal, provincial and municipal programs and services,” said Jennifer Edworthy, Community Services Supervisor with the Town of Redwater. “This is a difficult and sometimes overwhelming task for many people in need.”

Edworthy noted the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) is offered free of charge to anyone who meets the eligibility criteria and includes doing taxes for the current and previous years.

The CVITP has existed since 1971 and is a longstanding partnership between the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and community organizations and their volunteers. According to the CRA website, individuals must have a modest income and a simple tax situation to be eligible for the program.

To participate in the CVITP, residents can make an appointment with Redwater Community Services, where they can deliver their tax documents and sign the authorization form. Tax returns are conducted with the utmost respect for privacy and are completed by a trained volunteer. After the return is completed, staff will phone participants to arrange to pick up.

For more information, phone Community Services at 780-942-4101 to book an appointment Tuesdays and Thursdays.