Individuals who have a modest income and a simple tax situation can obtain free valuable help in the preparation and the filing of their income tax and benefit return through NB’s Get Your Benefits program, a partnership with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program of the Canada Revenue Agency. Depending on the personal situation, a person may be eligible to receive credits and benefits by simply filing an annual income tax and benefits return.
You might think that because you receive social assistance or are a low-income earner there is no need to file your income tax return; however, people with a modest income have a vested interest in filing income tax.
Many programs and benefits from the governments of New Brunswick and Canada could help qualifying individuals and families improve their financial status.
- A single person could receive up to $1,428 and up to $2,461 for families for the Canada Workers Benefit*.
- *Based on the assumption that there is some working income.
- You could qualify for the GST/HST Credit and Climate Action Incentive Payment.
- Adults and children with a disability could be eligible for a non-refundable tax credit which reduces the amount of income tax they may have to pay.
- Parents could receive up to $7,437 annually for each child by applying for the Canada Child Benefit.
- Parents with school aged children could receive the School Supplement benefit of $100 per child.
- Your child could qualify for the Healthy Smiles, Clear Vision plan, New Brunswick’s dental and vision program for children of low-income families.
- Your child could qualify for the Canada Learning Bond, a federal program that offers up to $2,000 toward post-secondary education for children of low-income families, born in 2004 or later.
- Before the year they turn 60, adults and children with a disability who have been approved for the Disability Tax Credit can open a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). Until theend of the year they turn 49, they could receive up to $70,000 of Canada Disability Savings Grants, and $20,000 of Canada Disability Savings Bonds in their RDSP from the Government of Canada.
To find other benefits you may be eligible for, visit www.canadabenefits.gc.ca. To receive benefit and credit payments, you must file an income tax and benefit return every year, even if you have no income to report.
The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program helps those in need file their tax return free of charge. For details, visit www.canada.ca/taxes-help or call 1-855-516-4405.
