Just Ask SeniorsNL
These are real questions asked by seniors and those who support them on SeniorsNL’s information line.
Q. Is there somewhere inexpensive I can go to get my taxes done?
A. Yes, the CRA’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) has free tax clinics. It is for people with low income and basic returns. Your income must be less than $35,000 or under $45,000 for a couple. The clinics are held in communities around the province every March and April. Since COVID began, most of these are a drop-off format. To find a clinic near you, call CVITP at 1-800-959-8281. Or call SeniorsNL at 1-800563-5599. You can also look online at www.canada.ca/taxes-help.
Q. I am finding it hard to keep up with the cost and maintenance of my home. How do you know when it’s time to downsize?
A. Attachment to your home and neighbourhood and having friends or family nearby may be some of the reasons not to move.
Life changes, finances or the need for care may be some of the reasons to look at moving.
Deciding whether or not to move can be a big decision. SeniorsNL has a booklet that you may find useful. It’s called Seniors and Housing Transitions: A Guide to Considering Options and Making Decisions. This guide provides information and resources to help you explore the options for housing that will best meet your needs now and down the road. SeniorsNL also has housing lists for all areas of the province that list subsidized and other housing options for seniors.
If you would like to receive a free copy of the guide or a housing list for your area, please call SeniorsNL at 1-800-563-5599 or email us at info@seniorsnl.ca.
Do you have a question that you would like answered in this column? If so, send it to SeniorsNL by email at info@seniorsnl.ca or by mail to 243 Topsail Road, Suite 110, St. John’s, NL, A1E 0G5. Or feel free to call us with a question about a seniors’ issue, service, or concern on our tollfree information line at 1-800563-5599. Also follow us on Facebook and Twitter and visit our website at SeniorsNL.ca.