Tax season is here, and Disability Alliance BC (DABC) is offering a variety of services to ensure that people with disabilities who have modest incomes get the support they need to file their taxes – free of charge.
Even if you don’t owe any taxes, tax filing may still be important for two reasons:
- To demonstrate your eligibility for provincial and federal programs that have income requirement.
- To make sure you can access provincial and federal financial disability supports.
DABC’s Tax AID program offers free support with income tax filing for multiple years, as well as consultations on diverse tax-related topics including tax readjustments, applications to tax credits and benefits, and advice on tax debt management. DABC can support you in any way that suits your needs—in person, by mail, by email, over the phone, or over video chat.
Here are some specific services DABC offers:
Drop off services
This year, DABC is offering drop off services for people living in the Vancouver area receiving disability assistance (T5007 slips). If you have all of your tax slips, this is a great way to access tax services. Simply go to DABC’s offices with your tax slips and some identification and pick up your tax summary once your taxes have been completed.
File taxes on your own
If your tax situation is simple and you would like to file your taxes on your own, DABC is a participating organization in Prosper Canada and Intuit’s Virtual Self-Filing program. This program will allow you to file your taxes using Turbotax software, with added support from an experienced tax advocate.
Self-employment tax filing
If you are self-employed, DABC advocates can work closely with you to file taxes on your self-employed income.
BC Fuel Tax Refund
If you are a registered owner of a vehicle in BC, you could get up to $500 for the taxes that you paid in fuel every year. Applying for this refund also allows vehicle owners (including electric vehicles) to access 25% off their basic insurance plan. Tax AID DABC can help with applications, fuel claims, and appeals.
Tax clinics and workshops
DABC offers free workshops to individuals and families, service providers, and healthcare providers on a variety of tax-related topics including tax filings tips, tax related benefits, and more. Organizations can also arrange onsite tax clinics or self-filing clinics for individuals who may have difficulty otherwise accessing DABC supports.
You can access all of the services above, and more, by calling Tax AID DABC at 236-417-1717, emailing [email protected] or scheduling an appointment online. DABC’s offices are located at #1450-605 Robson St. Vancouver BC, V6B 5J3.