Last call for free tax returns at MUN

The Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) is set to host its last Memorial University tax clinic of the season on Monday.

CRA spokesperson Annmarie Jenkins said the clinics are important to help those who can’t complete their tax returns by themselves.

“We have volunteers that are able to complete tax returns for those who are eligible, such as students, for free,” Jenkins said.

As for what people may need, she said. “Attendees will bring all their information with them. They’ll bring their social insurance number, whatever paperwork they have, information to show the income they’ve earned, and for students, the information from the tuition they paid through the year.”

“They bring all that to the clinic and a volunteer will enter all the information into the software and complete their tax return for them.”

The Community Volunteer Income Tax program is meant to help people, she said.

“It targets those who have a modest income and a simple tax situation. Anyone from seniors, students, those who may not know how to do it themselves and those who may not have the resources.”

These clinics have been happening for 47 years and interest is always growing, Jenkins said.

“We see an increase in the number of individuals who come to the clinic every year. I think more and more people are aware of it and more and more people are coming and getting the help that they need.”

“We do see a lot of students, but with each clinic we have, you see a variety of attendees.”

For those who want to do their taxes themselves, the CRA has a list of certified tax software that can be found on its website.

“If students want to do it themselves, we can only encourage them.”

The clinic is open to the public and takes place 6:30-8:30 p.m. in The Landing (UC 3018) in the University Centre.