Every spring the annual ritual of preparing our income taxes for Revenue Canada comes due.
For many this task is a complicated exercise and the Canada Revenue Agency, through its Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, trains volunteers to help people who are not able to prepare their income tax and benefit returns by themselves. The clinics have suggested limits of up to $30,000 for single persons, $40,000 for couples, and $35,000 for single parents with children as well as a relatively simple tax situation.
The volunteers cannot prepare returns for deceased persons; individuals who file for bankruptcy; self-employed individuals; individuals who report capital gains or losses; or individuals who report employment expenses, or business or rental income and expenses.
“We have been operating this program for several years and have served thousands of clients. This is a great way for those struggling financially to save some money and file their taxes,” said Sean Junlgas, Community Ministries Director.
In Campbell River, several community organizations prepare tax returns through the program. The Salvation Army continues helping prepare tax returns year-round and will provide assistance again this year to file returns by the deadline of April 30. Those in need of the volunteer service can bring their tax information to file their return by one of two ways: Drop-in at the Lighthouse Centre, 1381 Cedar St., Wed. - Fri. 11:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. or by appointment at Ocean Crest Community Church, 291 McLean St., 9:30 am. – 1 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Phone 250-287-3720 for an appointment.
About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest non‐governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and every day in 400 communities across Canada and more than 120 countries around the world. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life, providing shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives to an addiction. When you give to The Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and overlooked people in your community.
The Salvation Army in Campbell River, Ocean Crest Community Ministries runs:
n Two Thrift Stores: The Family Thrift Store on Homewood Road and The New Beginnings Thrift Store, Funds raised from sales at these stores support our local community ministries.
n The Lighthouse Centre: Serves approximately 20,000 hot meals a year, serves lunch Monday to Friday, providing access to emergency assistance for food, clothing, advocacy, community referrals, showers, personal hygiene supplies and community referrals.
n Family Services Emergency Assistance- Last year alone we assisted over 400 households with vouchers for clothing, linens, household supplies through our thrift stores and other emergency assistance on a case-by-cases basis such as emergency food hampers.
n Evergreen House Shelter- provides up to 22 warm beds.