Low wage earners who need help with their taxes can turn to Volunteer Nanaimo for help.
The organization has offered a free tax service for those in need for the past 14 years. The service is offered year-round, one day a week, and during tax season it’s offered twice a week on Fridays and Saturdays.
The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is offered through the Canada Revenue Agency, which provides training for volunteers to assist people on low incomes.
“We have people who have been coming for years and are grateful they are getting a service for free,” said Marjorie Driscoll, executive director of Volunteer Nanaimo.
People save an average of $250 on income tax returns through the service. Last year volunteers helped save people more than $336,000 on their returns. From 1999 to 2010, the program has helped save people more than $2.47 million.
The first year volunteers filed 400 returns. Last year that was up to 1,345.
Parker Okano, volunteer program coordinator, says he's involved because he enjoys helping people and most are appreciative.
“A lot of people can’t afford to go anywhere and have this done,” said Okano.
His team of 15 tax volunteers see an average of 80 people a day during the tax season, and on busy days can see up to 100.
The program is available for people who meet the income requirements. For singles they must earn $25,000 or less, married couples must earn $35,000 or less, but for each child people can add $2,000. If people have earned income interest, it must be no more than $1,000.
The program is only available for personal income taxes and isn’t available to those who have any business expense claims.
From now until mid-May, the service is offered on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Appointments are required. To book an appointment please call Volunteer Nanaimo at 250-758-7121 or at the office, located at 3-2350 Labieux Rd., Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.