Now entering its tenth year locally of free and confidential service made available to families and individuals living on a low to moderate income level, the Nakusp region’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program helps those who request assistance in completing and filing their non-complex annual income tax and benefits return.
Canada Revenue had launched this volunteer program across Canada in 1971. Since that time, it has grown and developed into a widening network of trained preparers with services being made available upon request to persons of any age who are living on a limited income.
In the Province of B.C. alone, it is estimated that more than 15,000 returns have been prepared by volunteers associated with CVITP in the past year. This in turn has resulted in uninterrupted access to benefits and entitlements according to a person’s eligibility. This includes seniors, students, persons experiencing any form of disability as well as all other categories particularly those living on a tight budget.
In order to accommodate those wishing to take advantage of this valuable community service, drop-off and/or pickup tax clinics have been established at various convenient locations.
In the Village of Nakusp and surrounding area, the clinic is held each Wednesday from 10-11 a.m. at the Seniors’ Hall (log building) on 8th Avenue NW. A new clinic open to the public takes place at the Nakusp Campus of Selkirk College. Your documentation can be dropped off at the administration office during operating hours, attention of Nathaniel Howard; for more information call 265-4077.
For residents of Hills, New Denver, Silverton and environs, a clinic is open on Tuesdays through April starting March 26 at the New Denver Community Services office from 9.30 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Volunteer Veronika Pellowski at 358-2140 will provide assistance.
Those requiring in-home or facility-based special needs services, contact Dianne at 265-4298 to set up an appointment. Note that tax returns should be filed by April 30, however the former telefile service offered by Canada Revenue is no longer available. This has been replaced by an e-file (computerized) method of filing your return which your CVITP preparer will help you with, as well as the paper method if necessary. Paper forms are available at the post office or may be downloaded to a computer.
Remember to bring along your income tax documentation including forms and tax slips which carry information required by Canada Revenue in order to prove your income and benefits eligibility. Once your return has been processed, all documentation will be returned to you and is always treated as private and confidential.
For further information, contact the general co-ordinator Marilyn at 265-0075.