The West End Seniors’ Network offers older adults assistance with filing their income tax returns. All income tax returns are filed electronically for free (eligibility criteria apply) by trained and authorized volunteers through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP).

Tax Season

From March 3 to April 30, WESN is offering older adults assistance with filing their income tax return, for those with modest income and a simple tax situation only (must meet criteria below). All income tax returns are filed electronically by volunteers that are screened, trained, and authorized through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP).

The WESN tax clinic volunteers are happy to assist you in filing your simple income tax return, but are not in a position to give you tax advice. You may be directed to contact the CRA if you require tax-related advice.

Please respect all WESN staff and volunteers. Rudeness or disrespect of any form will not be tolerated and you may be asked to make alternate tax arrangements. WESN retains the right to refuse service.

Eligibility Criteria

Family size and total family income is under:

• 1 person – $35,000
• 2 persons – $45,000
• 3 persons – $47,500
• 4 persons – $50,000

Simple tax situation

• Employment, pension, or support payment
• Benefits such as Canada Pension Plan (CPP), disability insurance, employment insurance, and social assistance
• Registered retirement savings plans (RRSPs)
• Scholarships, fellowships, bursaries, or grants
• Interest under $1,000

Your tax situation is not simple if you

• Are self-employed or have employment expenses (exceptions apply)
• Have business income and expenses Have rental income and expenses
• Have interest income over $1,000
• Have capital gains or losses
• Filed for bankruptcy in the tax year (or the year before, if that return has not yet been filed)
• Are completing a tax return for a deceased person
• Have foreign income or property (T1135)

Details

Location

The clinic will be located in the basement multi-purpose room at Barclay Manor (1447 Barclay Street), located near the ground level entrance at the back of the building. This entrance is accessible for mobility device users. Please note that parking is NOT guaranteed in the lot behind Barclay Manor.

Date and Time

Beginning March 3rd tax clinic drop-off will be available Mondays and Thursdays, 10am – 3pm. This tax season we will continue to use a drop-off service but will no longer require appointments — accordingly, clinic use may be subject to wait times and your patience is appreciated.

Cost

There is no fee for use of this clinic, but a suggested $20 donation to WESN helps us continue to offer our programs and services.

Process

At home

• Check the criteria (above) to confirm that you meet the clinic eligibility
• Prepare all relevant tax paperwork (i.e., 2020 Notice of Assessment, 2020 TD1 income tax summary if possible, income tax slips and receipts) and place in an envelope.
• Bring picture identification.
• If possible, complete all sections of the WESN Tax Clinic Intake form ahead of time (can be picked up at Barclay Manor, Kay’s Place or downloaded here).

At Barclay Manor

• Enter the building from the rear; follow signs to the basement multi-purpose room.
• Aggressive or abusive behaviour and language towards WESN staff and volunteers will not be tolerated.
• Due to ongoing COVID-19 circumstances, clinic users must respect masking requirements and social distancing measures while in line and in building.
• Complete Tax Clinic form if not done already.
• Present form, income tax documents and ID to the tax clinic intake staff.
• You will be provided with an information document to detail next steps.

Dates and Times

Monday & Thursday 10 am–3 pm

Beginning March 3rd, tax clinic drop-off will be available Monday and Thursday, 10 am to 3 pm. This tax season we will continue to use a drop-off service but will no longer require appointments. Clinic use may be subject to wait times and your patience is appreciated.

Next Steps

• Volunteers are assigned your income tax package and assist in the preparation and electronic filing of your return – this may take up to 4 weeks following the time of intake drop-off
• If the volunteer has any questions regarding your taxes they will call you– please note that they may be calling from a blocked number and it is important that you answer or have a functional voicemail system.
• When complete, a member of the WESN team will contact you for pick-up where you will verify and receive your completed return (please bring official ID for verification)
• If there are issues or errors found after your return is submitted, you are responsible for taking any corrective measures (calling CRA at 1-800-959-8281 or completing and submitting an adjustment form to the CRA)

Off-Season (May – February)

From May through February, assistance is available on a by-request basis. Contact the Manager of Programs at [email protected] or 604-669-5051 to inquire. Note that late penalties may be charged by the Canada Revenue Agency or your income supplements from the government may be impacted if your tax return is filed past the deadline.