The Income Security Action Group of the Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force encourages everyone to file a tax return. Tax benefits provide money to people based on their life circumstances and, for some people, benefits can help to increase their income, lower expenses, and make a big difference to their quality of life, such as improved health, food security, housing stability and lower stress. 

Income is an established social determinant of health, and arguably the most important.  

 

Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) provide free tax services. Most local organizations in Grey Bruce offer drop-off/pickup, virtual and/or phone services. Call 211 for the latest list of free tax services in Grey Bruce by calling 211 or go to FreeTaxClinics.ca

The government is using taxes to make sure people are receiving benefits and credits that they are eligible for; getting more money to those who need it. The best way to make sure you get the benefits you are eligible for is to file your income taxes each year. And the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is an excellent service to help you.

  • Some of these benefits include the Canada Child Benefit, Trillium Benefit, GST/HST Credit, and the Guaranteed Income Supplement. The Benefits Wayfinder is an online tool that simplifies the search for government benefits. 
  • Seniors living on a low income may qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS; Federal) and the Guaranteed Annual Income Systems (GAINS; Provincial).
  • Entitlement to GAINS is assessed at the same time as GIS. This is not automatic; seniors have to apply to see if they are eligible. You can do this when you first apply for your Old Age Security (OAS) in Section C of the Application for the Old Age Security Pension and Guaranteed Income Supplement (ISP-3550).
  • If you already receive OAS and want to apply for the GIS, you can apply on your My Service Canada Account or use the Application for the Old Age Security Pension and Guaranteed Income Supplement (ISP-3550). You need to file your taxes each year to reapply for these benefits.

The Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force works with 211 each year to list all free tax services for people with low income in Grey Bruce. Collectively we identify local barriers and engage with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), community organizations/volunteers to address those barriers. Call 211 for the latest list of free tax services in Grey Bruce by calling 211 or go to FreeTaxClinics.ca

Do you offer a free clinic? Is your community without any services? Please contact us!