(Montreal) The Tax Assistance Service, led by Revenu Québec and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), is looking for volunteers and community organizations who wish to offer their assistance in completing provincial income tax returns. and federal.
This year, the needs are felt in the Saguenay and Côte-Nord regions, particularly in Saguenay, Sept-Îles and Alma, according to Karl-Philip Marchand Giguère, regional spokesperson for the Revenue Agency. from Canada.
The program, which has existed since 1988, is intended for Quebecers who have some difficulty preparing their income tax return, who have a simple tax situation and who cannot use professional services for various reasons.
According to Mylène Gagnon, spokesperson for Revenu Québec, the annual initiative allows Canadians to collect amounts that are owed to them and to which they would not otherwise have access.
During the last tax season, it was “more than 460 million in refunds, tax credits and federal and provincial benefits” that were obtained by users of the service, she said in an interview. . In addition to helping the public, the program ensures that more tax returns are filed during tax season, which is “to the benefit” of taxpayers.
“It can be a great way — for retirees or students who are in accounting or administration school and who need to gain experience — to help their community while giving their time,” added Mme Gagnon.
Increase in subsidies
To encourage organizations to take part in the initiative, the government grants offered were also increased this year, for an amount of $10 per declaration.
“For each return filed by the service, the organization receives $5 from Revenu Québec and $5 from the CRA,” explained Mr. Marchand Giguère. We must also underline the amount of $500 offered by the Revenue Agency for current expenses and the organization of the preparation sessions”.
According to a press release from Revenu Québec released on Wednesday, additional amounts are also granted for organizations that serve Indigenous communities or 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 Revenu Québec.
This article was produced with the financial support of the Meta Fellowships and The Canadian Press for News.