Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
Seniors and low-income people can rest assured they will have assistance with their annual income tax returns as Northern Sunrise County welcomes back its Community Volunteer Income Tax Program on March 3.
Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) director Amber Houle says they are ready to help folks with their 2024 returns.
“Offering free income tax services through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) is incredibly important because it provides essential support to individuals and families who might otherwise struggle with filing their taxes,” Houle says.
“This service is not just about taxes; it is also about empowering community members to take control of their financial futures.”
The program is designed so people can have volunteers can help to prepare income tax returns for people who have modest incomes and simple taxes to file. All that is required is the individual to bring in all their tax slips and receive help from trained volunteers.
“We provide assistance to low-income individuals who make less than $35,000 per year, low-income couples who generate less than $45,000, and seniors,” Houle explains.
“By helping community members file their taxes for free, the program ensures they access any tax refunds or government that they are entitled to, improving their financial situation.”
Houle says they provide income tax filing assistance and each year they see an increase in the number of people accessing the program.
“When we started offering the CVITP program in-house in 2018, we assisted 17 individuals with their taxes, and last year we completed 99 returns,” she says.
“Many residents, especially those with low or fixed incomes, may struggle to afford professional tax services. By offering free tax filing assistance, CVITP ensures that all community members, regardless of their financial situation, can access the services they need.”
The FCSS office cannot file returns for self-employment, bankruptcy, or deceased individuals. With two trained volunteers on staff, they can provide service in either English or French.
“CVITP is not just about tax filing; it is also about creating a supportive, caring environment where community members know they can access help from FCSS,” she concludes.
To register for an appointment, please call your local Nampa/Northern Sunrise County FCSS. Cadotte Lake residents can call (780) 625-3287, Nampa residents can phone (780) 322-3954 and St. Isidore residents can phone (780) 624-8071.
For eligibility guidelines, please visit www.northernsunrise.net