This is how to get free help filing your income tax returns in the GTA
Some Torontonians are eligible to get help filing their income tax returns – for free.
A handful of tax clinics across the Greater Toronto Area offer their services to eligible residents through the federally-run Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) for those with a modest income and a simple return, at no cost.
“Simple would be just one source of income, ideally,” May Seto, program director of Applegrove Community Complex, told CTV News Toronto Tuesday.
“Employment is one, social assistance is another, ODSP, pension for those who have retired. Self-employment, or if there [are] investments, then those [returns] become much more complicated.”
At Applegrove’s income tax clinic, Seto says single-income tax filers who make less than $35,000 a year, and two-person families with an income of less than $45,000 are eligible to book an in-person or virtual appointment at the clinic. An additional $5,000 is added to the annual income for each dependent.
Once an appointment is made, Torontonians must bring all relevant revenue slips, rent receipts, medical receipts, and donation slips. Seniors who still qualify for transit credit should also bring PRESTO receipts, Seto noted.
“We get calls constantly, we get emails constantly. We get a lot of regulars who come back to our community because they’re familiar that we do it every year,” Seto said. “It’s a free service for those who need it the most, those who are low income, students, seniors or [those] on disability.”
Applegrove is one of the many tax clinics for Torontonians to turn to during tax season, and if they cannot find an appointment here, there is a directory of several other free clinics across the GTA – where some even offer walk-ins or allow customers to drop off their income tax documents to be picked up at a later time.
Outside of income tax clinics, eligible Torontonians can also attend facilitated self-filing tax workshops at various public libraries across the city.
Through these workshops, offered on a first-come, first-served basis, a spokesperson for Toronto Public Library (TPL) said these individuals can learn how to independently file their taxes online with the help of instructors.
These workshops are meant for those with modest incomes and simple tax situations, and attendees will be contacted ahead of time to review their eligibility and required documents. TPL also noted it provides online workshops on how to file a simple tax return.
May 1 is the deadline for most Canadians to file their income tax returns, with June 15 being the deadline for those who are self-employed.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
Eurovision Song Contest final kicks off after protests, backstage chaos and a contestant's expulsion
The 68th Eurovision Song Contest finally got down to musical business Saturday in the Swedish city of Malmo after days of protests and offstage drama that have tipped the feelgood musical celebration into a chaotic pressure cooker overshadowed by the war in Gaza.
Man arrested after allegedly caught trespassing at Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Toronto police say a man has been taken into custody after he was allegedly caught trespassing at Drake's mansion in Bridle Path Saturday afternoon.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.
Ron Ellis, who played over 1,000 games with Maple Leafs, dead at 79
Ron Ellis, who played over 1,000 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs and was a member of Canada's team at the 1972 Summit Series, has died at age 79.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.