With the April 30 deadline to file your income taxes coming up, a team of volunteers at the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau is assisting low-income families, the disabled, and the elderly file their returns.
“There’s been an overabundance of people coming in,” a Volunteer Bureau staff member said yesterday, adding the number is well over 100 returns so far.
“We’re more than happy to help them,” she added. “Our volunteers are eager to help out. They’re working diligently to help people.”
As in previous years, the free help is aimed at those in a lower income bracket. Those with a net income of $25,000 or less ($30,000 or less for families) are eligible.
However, assistance will not be provided to those filing tax returns for the deceased or bankrupt, or those filing employment expenses, rental income, capital gains, foreign investments, giving or receiving support payments, or anything else that would be considered a “complex return.”
As well, the tax return should only be for the 2007 tax year, not multiple years.
Those who want help with their taxes just can bring the applicable forms and information to the Volunteer Bureau’s office (located in the old CN station) on Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Shut-ins who cannot get down to the Volunteer Bureau can call Bob Nye, who will pick up and deliver their tax forms for them. He can be reached at 274-4365.
The service is open not only to Fort Frances residents who fit the criteria, but also those living in the west end of the district.
Those living near Emo, Barwick, Stratton, and Rainy River First Nations can call Joyous Bragg at 482-3948 (after 4 p.m. on Saturdays) or Jeannie Shine (486-3403).
It’s important that those who do seek help come prepared and bring all the necessary information with them. Even if the Volunteer Bureau has helped them file their taxes in the past, it will not have that information on file.
Given the numerous changes to tax returns this year (the Universal Child Care Benefit repayment, public transit amount, children’s fitness amount, etc.), those who bring in their tax information are encouraged to ask Volunteer Bureau staff whether they qualify for these new changes.
Most returns are electronically filed, and the turnaround time on tax returns filed by the local volunteers averages 10-14 days.
The Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau has been organizing this assistance for more than 10 years.
If you have any questions, call the Volunteer Bureau at 274-9555.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
