Free Virtual Tax Clinics in Calgary
Free tax clinics are still taking place during COVID-19 which you may be eligible for if you have modest income and a simple tax situation.
Free tax clinics will have criteria to determine whether you qualify for free tax filing service. Generally you may be eligible for help at a free tax clinic if you have a modest income and a simple tax situation.
What does ‘Modest Income’ mean?
According to the Government of Canada, generally a modest income means your total family income is less than the amount shown in the chart below, based on the size of your family. These are suggestions and community organizations may set different amounts.
Suggested income level
| Family size | Total family income is under… |
| 1 person | $35,000 |
| 2 persons | $45,000 |
| 3 persons | $47,500 |
| 4 persons | $50,000 |
| 5 persons | $52,500 |
| More than 5 persons | $52,500 plus $2,500 for each additional person |
What is a ‘Simple Tax Situation’?
In general, your tax situation is simple if you have no income or if your income comes from sources like regular employment, pension or benefits such as the Canada Pension Plan, disability insurance, employment insurance, and social assistance. Also income from registered retirement savings plans (RRSPs), support payments, scholarships, fellowships, bursaries or grants and interest (under $1,000) would generally be classified simple.
Your tax situation is not simple if you are self-employed or have employment expenses, have business or rental income and expenses or have have capital gains or losses. Also situation where you may have filed for bankruptcy in the tax year (or the year before, if that return has not yet been filed) or are completing a tax return for a deceased person.
Upcoming Learning Opportunity
What You Need to Know for Filing Your 2020 Taxes Webinar – On Tues., Mar. 2 from 10am – 11am join a session with the CRA on how to file your 2020 income taxes.
Info on Tax Clinics in Calgary
Sunrise Tax Clinics – Sunrise is honored to lead the Taxation and Benefits programming in Calgary. Register today to set up an appointment for tax filing for 2020.
BowWest Tax Clinics – BowWest hosts free tax clinics where volunteers complete tax returns for individuals and families with modest incomes and simple tax situations. The income guideline is $35,000 for individuals and $50,000 for families.
Salvation Army Tax Filing Services – Salvation Army Community Services will assist people with taxes starting February 16. Please call 403-220-0432 for more information
Tax Info from Momentum
Tax Filing Dates Everyone Should Know – Important deadlines and dates to start planning your tax return, even if you only earned a small amount of income.
Tax Filing Resources Everyone Should Know – Information about about free resources available online, whether you plan to file taxes on your own, or get help.
Information from the Government of Canada
Government of Canada listing of Free Tax Services – Through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, community organizations host free tax clinics where volunteers file tax returns for eligible people.
Payment arrangements – If you cannot pay your balance owing on or before April 30, 2021, the CRA may accept a payment arrangement only after you have reasonably tried to get the necessary funds by borrowing or rearranging your financial affairs.
