Community Volunteer Income Tax Program Returns for Free Tax Filing Assistance

Tax season is around the corner, and the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is returning to provide tax filing support for the community. The program provides over the phone tax filing for Stony Plain, Parkland County, and surrounding First Nations community residents with modest incomes and simple tax situations.

The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, in partnership with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), is one of the Town’s largest poverty reduction programs. Volunteers work with residents to collect information and file income taxes, and representatives from the CRA host a series of free informational sessions to educate residents on different aspects of tax filing and financial aid. The program helps participants access an array of provincial and federal tax benefits that have the potential to boost their incomes.

The free learning sessions hosted by the CRA this year include:

• March 7, 12 p.m. – Income Tax Basic Concepts
• March 14, 12 p.m. – Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
• March 21, 12 p.m. – Benefits and Credits for All
• March 28, 4:30 p.m. – Income Tax Basic Concepts Students/Youths

“The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program has served our community for over 40 years. This clinic supports residents with tax preparation and filing each year, while also hosting educational sessions in partnership with the Canada Revenue Agency. The program provides a critical service to residents and strengthens financial security in the community,” says Mayor William Choy.

“By assisting our residents with modest incomes with completing their taxes, we ensure they will have uninterrupted access to supports and benefits. Ultimately, this will lead to these residents being able to participate in our community more fully and having a greater sense of belonging,” says Community Development Officer Sharida Csillag.

To be eligible for the income tax clinic, participants must:

• Be a resident of Stony Plain, Parkland County, or a First Nations community within Parkland County
• Have a modest income (determined by family size)
• Have a simple tax situation

Registration for the tax clinic is now open and the program will operate from March 1 to April 28, 2023. Visit the Stony Plain website to learn more about eligibility requirements and to register for the program. Community members can also register by phone at (780) 591-5651 or in-person at the TriCala office located at #115 4302 33 Street, Stony Plain.