Dear Editor,
Tax season is once again upon us, and our federal Government is partnering with communities to help seniors, newcomers and our neighbours of modest means. Through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), taxpayers may be able to have their income taxes prepared for free by volunteers in their local community.
The CVITP helps taxpayers who need assistance to complete and file their income tax and benefit returns. Most participants have modest incomes and a simple tax situation. Eligible program beneficiaries include: seniors, students, Aboriginal peoples, newcomers to Canada, recipients of social assistance, and persons with a disability.
There are over 2000 community organizations from coast to coast to coast providing these free tax preparation clinics and the volunteer power – collectively assembling a nationwide team of over 16,000 volunteers. In 2014, CVITP volunteers helped over 600,000 Canadians file their tax returns.
Our Government believes strongly in the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. That’s why we are investing an additional $1 million in base funding annually. These new funds allow us to expand the use of technology in the program and provide additional support. We want to build an even stronger network of free CVITP clinics across the country.
The valuable service volunteers provide allows taxpayers to take advantage of our Government’s tax relief measures. In fact, every Canadian family with children will benefit from the new Family Tax Credits and Benefits Plan, introduced by Prime Minister Harper in October. On average, families with children will have $1140 in their pockets as a result of these latest tax relief measures. Low- and middle-income families will receive two-thirds of the overall benefits provided by the package.
As a result of our federal Government’s improvements to the CVITP, families will pay only the taxes they owe, and they won’t miss out on the many credits and benefits they are entitled to receive.
These services are available across western Manitoba: in Beausejour, Brandon, Dauphin, Gimli, Rivers, St. Malo, Thompson, and Winnipeg. And we are constantly partnering with more volunteers to expand our services. To find a location near you, visit http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/volunteer/.
Our Government is helping Canadians keep more of their money in their pockets by keeping our economy strong while keeping taxes low.
Robert Sopuck, MP
Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette