To the Editor,
Filing income tax can be daunting when done by hand.
The guide is helpful and toll-free numbers connect you to many helpful people for guidance. The Canada Revenue Agency website has free certified tax software and the search box shows where to go for all desktop services. If you don’t have a computer, try a friend, relative or the library.
The companies and individuals who offer tax services at filing time can charge unreasonable fees with no guarantee that it was done correctly. Errors and omissions can cause hell in an attempt to fulfill the assessment requirements. As well, you are giving your personal data to many unprofessional people.
When you do your own tax forms and make errors, the Canada Revenue Agency explains the corrections made on the assessment, no problem.
And believe it or not, doing it yourself gives you a feeling of accomplishment.
Some people use a personal accountant whose fees can be very reasonable. As long as you have all your income, pension, alloweable deduction and benefits documents in your possession, you are ready to go.
Diane DeyatteNanaimo