Tax season can feel like a maze, especially when your income is fixed and every form matters. The 411 Seniors Centre Society, near the Punjabi Market area on Fraser Street, runs a free income tax clinic from early March to the end of April for low-income seniors and people with disabilities. If your income is under about $35,000 on your own, or $45,000 as a couple, you likely qualify.
You don’t need an appointment to try, drop-ins are welcome Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, though booking ahead is a good idea if you’d rather not wait. Staff and trained volunteers can also help outside tax season, by appointment, year-round.
Filing your taxes isn’t just about owing money or getting a refund. If you receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement or other income-tested benefits, filing on time each year is what keeps those payments coming without interruption.
The centre also helps with other paperwork - Old Age Security, pension forms, bus passes, and referrals for housing, health, or legal concerns, so it’s worth a call even outside of tax season.