It’s that dreary time of year at the end of March called tax season again.
Something many people procrastinate — for years even if they don’t expect a refund or a bill. But filing taxes can help people in need qualify for financial assistance. No tax file means no GST rebates or even no COVID-19 benefit and much more.
To that end, representatives from the Campbell River based Chan Nowosad Boates accounting firm are offering to do taxes for free for people on the North Island with low incomes.
They’ll be at the Port Hardy Civic Centre on March 30 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
No appointment is necessary, just bring your Social Insurance Number, any T-1 slips, donation receipts and any significant medical bills.
The tax clinic is available for people who make less than $15,000 per year ($30,000 as a couple), or $20,000 for seniors ($40,000 as a couple) and have simple tax files (that is, no investments, fishing or other complex tax items).
Chan Nowosad Boates has run clinics in the past in places like Alert Bay, Port McNeill, Fort Rupert and Zeballos. This is their first year offering the service directly in Port Hardy. The firm does audits in these towns, so as partner Derek Lamb said, it’s easy for them to just offer an extra couple of hours after their work day to help folks get those taxes in.
It can take just minutes to file taxes for seniors, he said.
Taxes from the 2020 year are due on April 30, 2021.
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