GUELPH – Immigrant Services Guelph Wellington (ISGW) is offering to assist newcomers with the preparation of basic taxes.
Since 2007, ISGW has offered a free Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) in collaboration with Canada Revenue Agency.
Through the CVITP clinic, staff, and community volunteers file tax returns for people with a modest income and a simple tax situation.
A unique aspect of the services offered at ISGW is the language support provided when a newcomer receives assistance with tax preparation. ISGW recruits volunteers who can provide service in different languages. Staff, who also speak multiple languages, are prepared to assist local newcomer residents during the year, by appointment.
“In the past, newcomers have appreciated having that value-added support since many are filing taxes for the first time,” officials state.
Over the last two years, ISGW has assisted annually with an average of 600 individuals seeking support to file their tax returns. That translates into access to benefits like CCB, GST/HST, OAS and Climate Action Incentive benefits, among others.
“ISGW is excited to serve the newcomer community again this year. We are grateful to all the community volunteers who stepped forward to receive training from CRA and give of their time to support low-income earners,” officials state.
ISGW will be offering in-person, virtual and drop-off tax support. Services will be offered by appointment Monday to Friday through the settlement team, and Saturdays, 9:30am to 12pm, during March and April (except for March 18 and April 8), with the help of volunteers. To book an appointment, call Khrystyna 519-836-2222, ext. 240 or email: khrysko@is-gw.ca.
ISGW will help determine eligibility.
