Free tax clinics offer guidance and support for residents
Tashi Farmilo
Residents of West Quebec struggling to file their taxes or navigate government services will soon have access to free tax clinics and a comprehensive Super Clinic, organized by the Regional Association of West Quebecers (RAWQ) in partnership with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and local community organizations.
The tax clinics, open from March 3rd to April 15th, will provide low-income individuals with free tax preparation services by trained volunteers. The drop-off service, available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays,10:00 am - 12:00 pm and 1:00 - 3:00 pm, does not require an appointment. "We aim to make the process as accessible as possible for those who qualify," said Tim Foisy, a volunteer coordinator with the initiative. He clarified that while the tax clinics are open to all low-income individuals, the returns must be simple, excluding complex financial scenarios like property sales or investment income. The CRA defines low-income eligibility as earning less than $45,000 annually.
In addition to the tax clinics, an innovative Super Clinic will be open on March 25th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Deschênes Community Centre, 55 Chemin Vanier in Aylmer. The Super Clinic is designed as a one-stop hub for essential services, offering in-person assistance from agencies such as Service Canada, Revenu Québec, and Services Québec. Attendees will be able to file tax returns, inquire about benefits like the Canada Child Benefit, Disability Tax Credit, Employment Insurance, and obtain official documents such as a Social Insurance Number. The event is open to everyone, regardless of income level, to seek guidance, gain information from these agencies or complete their taxes onsite with the assistance of professionals.
Jeanne Nivischiuk, the office administrator and project coordinator, highlighted the importance of bringing these services directly to the community. "Many people face barriers in accessing these essential services, whether due to long wait times, language barriers, or lack of information. The Super Clinic is designed to remove those obstacles and provide immediate support."
Several tax information sessions will also be offered:
- For seniors: March 13, 9:30 - 11:00 am at the Deschênes Community Centre, covering topics such as pension income, CPP recovery tax, income splitting, medical expenses, and tax credits.
- For persons with disabilities and caregivers: March 12, 1:30 - 3:00 pm at Deschênes Community Centre, discussing the Disability Tax Credit, caregiver credits, home accessibility expenses, and medical deductions.
- For newcomers and families: March 12, 6:00 - 7:30 pm at Deschênes Community Centre, focusing on tax benefits and available resources.
- For students: March 13, 12:00 - 1:00 pm at CEGEP Heritage College, with tax filing days on March 18 and April 15 from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm.
Alina Holmes, Program Director at RAWQ, emphasized the broader impact of these efforts. "The goal is not just to help people file their taxes, but to ensure they are accessing all the benefits and credits they qualify for. Many individuals don’t realize they are eligible for refunds, and we want to make sure they receive every financial support available to them."
Tim Foisy further elaborated on the tax clinic structure: "This year, we’re focusing on a streamlined drop-off system to make the process even easier. People can drop off their documents, and our volunteer tax preparers will complete the returns before handing them back. This ensures efficient service while maintaining accuracy and confidentiality."
Residents interested in the tax clinics must bring proper identification, all relevant tax slips (T4, RL slips, and other income statements), a notice of assessment from the previous year, and any applicable receipts for deductions. The Super Clinic will also feature representatives who can assist with employment insurance applications, Canada Workers Benefit (CWB), Canada Learning Bond, job search support, and social assistance inquiries.
For more information on the upcoming tax clinics or the Super Clinic, residents are encouraged to contact RAWQ at 819-682-9602 or visit www.westquebecers.ca.
Free tax clinics and a comprehensive Super Clinic, organized by the Regional Association of West Quebecers in partnership with the CRA and local organizations, will provide low-income residents with free tax preparation services, financial guidance, and access to essential government benefits from March 3 to April 15. Photo: Courtesy of the CRA
