The SOS Income Tax Program helped 1,240 low-income residents in District 69 file basic income tax returns this year.
The free tax program is delivered in partnership with the Canada Revenue Agency’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. Supported by trained SOS volunteers, the tax program helps local individuals, seniors and families file their returns electronically.
This year, 28 SOS volunteers contributed more than 900 hours of their time to support the program. Clients accessed the tax program either over the phone, in person, or at SOS through the drop-off service.
SOS executive director Susanna Newton praised volunteers for their commitment and compassion.
“Our volunteers not only bring knowledge and analytical skills to SOS during tax season—they’re also incredibly kind, always offering a friendly smile and a strong sense of community spirit,” she said.
Roughly two-thirds of the program’s clients are seniors. A single senior in her seventies who uses the program annually said, “I don’t have a partner to help me, and I don’t know what I would do without the tax program.”
A couple who accessed the program said, “My husband and I love knowing that everything is in order in filing, and the volunteers are really special people. Thank you for all you do.”
Another client, a mother, said the program eased the financial pressure for her family.
“SOS fills in the blanks for my daughter and me. It’s important because it takes the pressure off and it helps provide funds for my child,” she said.
Filing taxes is essential to access a range of government benefits and credits, including the Universal Child Care Benefit, the GST credit and the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
To qualify for the program, a person’s annual income must be below $45,000, with the threshold increasing by $2,500 for each dependent.
In addition to helping residents meet tax filing deadlines, the program provides peace of mind.
“It has saved me a fair amount of money and stress every year,” said one client. “Income tax forms are incomprehensible to a great many people, and the cost of financial aid to complete taxes is prohibitive. Thank goodness SOS provides this service!”
Another participant said it’s a huge relief to access the SOS Income Tax Program.
“I so appreciate the feeling of confidence that all is done right by someone who knows how. Thank you so much!”
SOS continues to offer off-season tax filing from May to October, with a break November to February. The deadline to file a 2024 tax return was April 30. If residents haven’t filed their taxes by the time Canada Revenue Agency’s recalculation happens in July, their government benefits will stop.
If there is a balance owing, the CRA may charge interest and a late-filing penalty on returns filed after the due date.
To book an appointment at SOS, call 250-248-2093. For more information, email coordinator@sosd69.com. To learn more about SOS and the dozens of free and subsidized programs available to District 69 residents, visit www.sosd69.com.
