Free Tax Preparation For Canadians On Social Assistance

Many people don’t realize it, but filing a tax return on time is especially important for people who rely on social assistance, because it triggers many government benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit.  Families that don’t file their taxes by the deadline risk having their benefits interrupted.   Filing a tax return doesn’t have to be expensive.  In fact, there are several free options:

• H&R Block is offering free tax prep at participating locations for people on social assistance until February 24^th (see media release below)
• Canada Revenue Agency holds volunteer tax preparation tax clinics in some communities (http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/vlntr/clncs/menu-eng.html)
• Many online tax filing options are free to people earning less than $20,000 (H&R Block online, Studio Tax, etc.)
•  Pick up tax forms from the post office and go the traditional pencil and paper route

H&R BLOCK CANADA OFFERS EXTRA HELP THIS TAX SEASON

Free tax preparation for Canadians on social assistance

 CALGARY, Alberta – (January 30, 2012) – H&R Block Canada is expanding its free Block Builders tax program for a limited time to help taxpayers on social assistance or Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) or both get their tax returns prepared at no charge at participating locations until February 24.

“Last year, we donated more than $1.5 million in free tax preparation certificates through organizations like the United Way and food banks because we know lower income Canadians have to file a tax return in order to receive certain benefits and credits,” says Bob Lougen, president, H&R Block Canada. “With more economic uncertainty for Canadians this year, we wanted to expand our program so more people can access free professional help and receive all of their benefits on time.”

Benefits like the Child Tax Benefit, GST/HST benefit and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) are calculated based on the last tax return filed. Not filing by the April 30 deadline means the benefits will stop until a current year return is filed with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

“We believe in being active members in the communities we work in through our Block Builders program and this is just one more support we can provide,” explains Lougen. “And we cover our free tax clients with the Block Advantage so they know we stand behind our work if they need assistance with the CRA.”

In addition, H&R Block at Home online tax program is free all tax season for Canadians earning less than $20,000.