By Matt Poirier

Tax season can be a stressful time for most people, and it can be expensive to have someone complete your return. For individuals we support, this can often be an inconvenience and oftentimes inaccessible. To make this easier, Central Region in partnership with Chartered Professional Accountants Ontario (CPA) hosted two Tax Preparation Assistance Clinics at 20 Spadina in March.

Each year, volunteer Chartered Professional Accountants prepare personal tax returns for individuals in their communities who truly need assistance. The Tax Preparation Assistance Program operates in conjunction with a variety of agencies across the province including food banks, charities, hospitals, seniors’ centres, community centres, social service agencies and libraries. The agencies co-sponsor the sessions on a volunteer basis.

Personal tax preparation service is available at no charge to individuals:

–       Without dependants with a gross household income of less than $25,000.

–       With dependants, including a spouse or equivalent, with a gross household income of less than $35,000.

For the last few years, long-time Community Living Toronto volunteer Susan McCloy dedicated two evenings to helping individuals prepare their tax returns. It is work that she enjoys doing, and it makes her happy that she has the opportunity to do something she likes, while helping individuals that need it at the same time. Susan was able to complete nearly 30 tax returns for individuals in service, and hopes to help out again next year.

Volunteer Susan McCloy hard at work with the Tax Preparation Assistance Clinic.

For more information on CPA Ontario and free tax clinics in Toronto for individuals who need assistance, visit:

www.cpaontario.ca

Upcoming Central Events

Central Council Spring Fling Dinner & Dance

Saturday, April 18^th, 2015

Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre

$50/ticket

Purchase tickets online at www.communitylivingtoronto.ca

For more information, to buy tickets over the phone or to make a donation to our silent auction, contact Matt Poirier at 647-729-1210 or matthew.poirier@cltoronto.ca.

Central Council Meeting

Tuesday, May 12^th, 6PM

20 Spadina Rd, Room 2B

All are welcome.