(Montreal) The tax assistance service, led by Revenu Québec and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), is looking for volunteers and community organizations who would like to offer their assistance in completing provincial income tax returns. and federal.
This year, according to Carl-Philippe Marchand Giguer, regional representative of the Revenue Agency of Canada, needs have been observed in the Saguenay and Côte-Nord regions, particularly in Saguenay, Sept-Îles and Alma.
The program, which has been in place since 1988, is intended for Quebecers who are experiencing some difficulty in preparing their income tax return, have a normal tax situation and are unable to use professional services for various reasons.
According to Myleene Gagnon, spokeswoman for Revenu Quebec, the annual initiative allows Canadians to collect amounts owed to them and which they may otherwise not have access to.
Last tax season, she pointed out in an interview that users of the service received “over $460 million in refunds, tax credits and federal and provincial benefits.” Apart from giving a hand to the population, the program ensures generation of more number of declarations during the tax season, which is an “all benefit” to the taxpayers.
“It’s a great way for retirees or students who are in accounting or administration school and those who need to gain hands-on experience — giving their time to help their community,” M added.me Gagnon.
Increase in subsidies
To encourage companies to participate in the initiative, government grants have also been increased this year, to $10 per advertisement.
“For every return filed through the service, the organization receives $5 from Revenue Quebec and $5 from the CRA,” said Mr. Marchand Giguere explained. We must also underline the amount of $500 provided by the Revenue Agency for ongoing expenses and the conduct of preparation sessions.
According to a press release from Revenu Québec issued Wednesday, additional amounts have also been granted to indigenous communities or organizations serving the northern regions.
Last year, more than 165,000 people used the tax assistance service and more than 3,070 volunteers in 520 organizations prepared provincial and federal income tax returns, according to figures from Revenue Quebec.
This article was produced with financial support from Meta Fellowships and The Canadian Press for News.
About The Author
