INCOME TAX AND FINANCIAL ADVOCACY SERVICE
IMPORTANT
SENIORS COORDINATING OFFICE IS NOW CLOSED AT 719 VERNON ST (TEMPORARY OFFICE IN THE POST OFFICE BUILDING WITH ELEVATOR ACCESS THROUGH THE WORKBC CENTRE DOOR)
The City of Nelson has given us notice that our present office must close by May 16, 2024, due to the Civic Centre renovations. This will be in effect until at least early 2025. Our new office will be at a temporary location in suite 201-514 Vernon St., Nelson, B.C., V1L4E7, above the post office in the Community Futures offices. An elevator is available to access this office through the WorkBC Centre door to the left of the Post Office door. Our new hours will be 9:00 am to 12:00 noon on Tuesdays to Thursdays. You can still communicate with us by email sencoord@gmail.com or by phone 250-352-6008 and leave a message.
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please call (250) 352-6008 to book.
IMPORTANT!
WE CAN ONLY PROCESS TAX FORMS WHICH MEET THE LOW-INCOME THRESHHOLD AS OUTLINED BELOW: OTHER INCOME OVER THESE LIMITS WILL NEED TO BE TAKEN TO THE LOCAL ACCOUNTING FIRMS FOR TAX FORM PREPARATION.
This program is free but donations are gratefully accepted to keep it running. A charitable receipt is provided for any donation of $20 and up.
Seniors Coordinating Society offers an income tax preparation service to anyone who qualifies (see below). We also offer our services in the Slocan Valley and Kaslo. We have volunteers trained and qualified under the Canadian Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) operated by the Canada Revenue Agency. We also offer a financial advocacy service for seniors struggling with government programs, applications, forms and similar issues.
To access the Income Tax or Financial Advocacy programs, you must first phone, visit or email our office and book an appointment. Sorry, no drop-ins. You will then bring all your tax forms to the appointment. We can also file prior year returns up to 5 years after the 2023 tax preparation period is over.
Who is eligible for our Income Tax Service?
Individuals must have a modest income and a simple tax situation to be eligible for the CVITP. Community organizations may also establish additional criteria.
To determine modest income, use the following chart.
Family size |
Total Family income |
| One person | $36,000 |
| One person with one dependent | $40,000 (add $2,500 for each additional dependent) |
| Couple | $45,000 (add $2,500 for each dependent) |
Who is not eligible for our Income Tax Service?
Sorry, we cannot complete returns for individuals who:
- are self-employed or have employment expenses
- have business income and expenses (unless income is in box 048 on a T4A slip and less than $1,000 with no related expenses)
- have rental income and expenses
- have interest income over $1,000
- have capital gains or losses
- file for bankruptcy
- are completing a tax return for a deceased person
Our Financial Advocacy Program
We can assist with the following:
- Referrals to and information to seniors and disadvantaged adults (or just help you understand).
- Year-round assistance of income support, geared-in income programs and low income premium relief.
- Assistance with understanding, applying and dealing with:
- Old Age Security (OAS)
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
- Rents Subsidy (SAFER)
- MSP Premium reduction
- …and other low income programs
We are so grateful to accept a generous donation for our Income Tax Program from the Nelson and District Credit Union! Many thanks to the members! From left to right: Charles Ward, income tax volunteer (Seniors Coordinating), Marian Ritchie, income tax volunteer (Seniors Coordinating), Pegasis McGauley (Seniors Coordinating), Tom Atkins (Credit Union manager), Christina Jones (Credit Union), Emily Kjelshus (Credit Union).