Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
Smoky River Family and Community Support Service (FCSS) is geared up and ready to help people with low-income and seniors file their 2024 income taxes.
The Volunteer Income Tax Program is one that many FCSS offices across the province offer annually to help people prepare their documents for filing.
FCSS director Crystal Tremblay says she allows people to come in throughout the year, because some people forget to file on time.
“Although we gear up this time of year to help people file, I do it all year because some people forget,” explains Tremblay.
“We get a large number of people in July when they don’t receive their child tax and realize they’ve forgotten to file their income taxes.”
The program is organized to assist anyone low income or individuals with simple income taxes.
“Without this service many of our seniors and low-income individuals would not be able to afford to get their income taxes done,” says Tremblay, noting if you do not reside in Smoky River Region to call your local FCSS as they may offer the free tax program too.
“Every year I get a few more people who have not filed in a long time. I will do back taxes for up to four years, then they need to find another source for any other outstanding taxes.”
Tremblay says in 2023 their office helped over 300 people file taxes.
“The service is so important for our low-income residents to be able to get their basic taxes done,” she says.
“Ultimately it is their choice who they get their taxes done through, but FCSS provides this service for free. I work with each client to make sure that they are accessing all the supports that are available to them. If I see that a senior is missing one of the benefits, I will work with them to make sure they are entitled to that benefit.”
The Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) gives training to all registered volunteers.
Tremblay says staff who complete income tax filing are trained and review resources before income tax season.
“Please note that many of the federal benefit tax slips are being made available only through the My CRA website,” says Tremblay.
“If anyone has not received their tax slips, Smoky River FCSS has the ability to Auto Fill My Return. This means we can pull the tax information off the CRA website, in order to make sure your taxes are completely filed.”
Tremblay says she provides income tax assistance to people in the Smoky River region at the Town of Falher FCSS office, at the McLennan Town Office on Wednesdays in March, one day for Birch Hills County residents, and she works with the Villa Beausejour and Manoir du Lac to ensure their residents can access the service.
To book an appointment with Tremblay call (780) 837-2220.