Program open to anyone who needs assistance, with an income under $25,000
The Volunteer Bureau is offering its charitable income tax program right now.
The income tax program runs from March 1 to April 23. Services have to stop a week before the final tax deadline of April 30, so the volunteers have enough time to put the returns together.
“My job is to be hands on. I help people fill out the forms,” said Gaby Hanzuk, volunteer with the Volunteer Bureau/ Family Centre.
Some clients need the extra support to go through the income tax forms, whether it’s due to visual or reading challenges, but Hanzuk said not to worry – that is what she is there for.
Hanzuk runs the income tax program Mondays 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Wednesdays and Fridays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Family Centre, located in the old train station on 4th Street.
To be eligible for the income tax program, a single person would need to make $25,000 or less. A combined household income can’t be more than $35,000 to qualify.
After the forms are filled out with Hanzuk, volunteers Bill Mitchell and Howard Bobczynski receive the return. After everything is completed, Hanzuk gives the client a call, so they can pick up their paperwork.
Before arrival at the Family Centre, Hanzuk said clients need to have all their income tax forms assembled, such as T4s and T5s, SID number, receipts from charitable donations, and if renting, their rent receipts. Although the information is personal, Hanzuk said all information is confidential.
“Anything that gets said here amongst us, whether it’s volunteers, interacting with a client or vice versa, we have a code of ethics,” said Hanzuk. “We don’t go and tell everybody about it. It stays here and that’s part of the trust factor.”
