Adam Prudhomme
Editor
It took some brainstorming, but Morningstar Mission has found a way to relaunch its extremely important volunteer income tax clinics.
Social distancing rules still observed, the Mission is now offering free tax services for individuals who make less than $24,000 or families who combine to earn less than $40,000.
In partnership with the Canadian Volunteer Income Tax (CVIT) program, the Mission is the only charity in Greater Napanee that will be hosting the free program this year.
“Given the public health guidelines around social distancing and the state of emergency, we felt initially that we couldn’t operate our tax clinic safely,” said Morningstar Mission executive director Kevin Alkenbrack. “We weren’t able to take any income taxes. But we have now developed a process that we feel we can do safely. We’re just asking people to contact our main number, 613-354-6355, and just leave a message if they’re interested in having their taxes done, with their name and their number. Someone will call them back and explain the process for drop off for the process of their taxes.”
Alkenbrack expects to see at least 750 tax returns filed through the program. They’ll then be handled by volunteer professional accountants who will make sure the individuals receive their maximum return. That can mean GST, Trillium and child care benefits, among others.
“When you don’t pay income taxes, the government doesn’t chase you to fill in your return,” said Alkenbrack. “For people who may, for whatever reason, not file their income taxes, they can actually go years and years before there’s a reason they have to do their taxes.”
Low income individuals who don’t file their taxes may not be subject to interest if they don’t owe any money, but they will see their benefits halted if they don’t file by July 1.
“When July 1 comes, if you haven’t done your income taxes, the programs stop,” said Alkenbrack. “For many low income individuals, that could mean the difference between eating and buying groceries.”
Individuals on Ontario Works receive a maximum of $710 a month for basic needs while those on Ontario Disability Support Program can qualify for a maximum of $1,200. The average rent in Napanee ranges from $900 to $1,300 a month, meaning going without their benefits can bury people in debt.
For some the upfront cost of $70-$120 to have a for-profit accountant do their taxes can be too big of a burden.
“Any kind of barrier to getting their income taxes done can sometimes mean years that they go without these programs,” added Alkenbrack. “It’s really important for us to make it as easy as possible to file their taxes so they have access to these programs which can make the difference often in how they progress in some cases as they try to put their life back together.”