Free tax clinics help residents unlock benefits

For residents of Stratford, St. Marys and Perth County, filing income taxes can be stressful, confusing and, for some, financially out of reach.

Stratford social services is working to remove those barriers through its annual free income tax clinics, a long-running program that offers low-income residents an opportunity to have their tax returns completed accurately and on time by professionals. Organized by Stratford social services, which coordinates the provision of social services for Stratford, St. Marys and Perth County, the clinics have been operating for many years and continue to be an essential service for people who may otherwise delay or avoid filing their taxes altogether.

“The primary purpose is to connect individuals with a service where they know their taxes are done properly and at the right time,” said Alex Burgess, manager of Ontario Works with Stratford social services. “When taxes are filed accurately, it gives people access to a lot of benefits they may not even realize they qualify for.”

Burgess said cost, access to computers and the complexity of the tax system can dissuade people from filing, especially when documentation piles up or deadlines are missed. By running the clinics early in tax season and partnering with local accounting firms, Stratford social service can help residents avoid those pitfalls.

“Having professionals do it means they can make sure documents are complete and credits are maximized,” Burgess said. “It takes the worry out of it.”

The benefits go far beyond a potential tax refund. Burgess said filing taxes is the precursor to many federal and provincial supports including HST credits, the Ontario Trillium Benefit and the Canada Child Benefit.

“If you don’t file your taxes, your Canada Child Benefit could be delayed or stopped altogether,” he said. “HST credits, one-time government payments; all of those are tied to tax filings. Filing sets people up for the entire year.”

While some people assume those receiving social assistance don’t pay taxes, Burgess said that’s a misconception.

“Everybody pays taxes every day through purchases,” he said. “And once accountants look at things like rent receipts, medical expenses or disability tax credits, people are often surprised by what they’re entitled to.”

The free clinics are available for current-year returns to low-income individuals and couples living in Stratford, St. Marys and Perth County. Those receiving Ontario Works or ODSP are eligible with a T5007 slip. Income thresholds apply for others, including seniors.

There is no cost to participants, with services provided by Famme & Co. Professional Corporation and McCutchen & Pearce Professional Corporation.

Burgess said the value of having an expert prepare returns can’t be overstated.

“Instead of hoping you got everything right online, you can go to professionals who will do it correctly and at no cost,” he said. “That’s huge.”

Residents must register in advance by Wednesday, March 18, by calling Stratford social services at 519-271-3773 ext. 6208. Appointment times for document drop-off will be scheduled between March 19 and 27.

“The earlier people call, the better,” Burgess said. “Once you get through it once, it’s much less daunting the next time. That first step is often the hardest.”

For many residents, that first step could make all the difference.