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, depending on your personal situation, you may be eligible to receive credits and benefits by simply filing your annual income tax and benefit return.

A single person with working income could receive up to $1,043 for the federal Working Income Tax Benefit.
You could qualify for the GST/HST Credit and the New Brunswick Harmonized Sales Tax Credit.
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 can get up to $6,400 annually for each child under the age of 6 and $5,400 annually for each child aged 6-17 in Canada Child Benefit* and the NB Child Tax 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 for education after high school for children of low-income families.
To find other benefits you may be eligible for, visit www.canadabenefits.gc.ca and NB Personal Income Tax.

* Under proposed legislation, this amount will increase starting in July 2018.

If you need help preparing your income tax and benefit return, the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) may be able to assist you. This free program is available to eligible taxpayers who have modest income and simple tax situations. For more information on this service, visit www.canada.ca/taxes-volunteer or call 1-800-959-8281

The Government of New Brunswick offers the NB Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) credit. The full credit is provided to New Brunswickers with a family income of less than $35,000 per year. The credit is reduced by two cents for every dollar of income above $35,000. Individuals with incomes of less than $50,000, or a family of two adults and two children with incomes of less than $75,000, could receive some benefit from the HST credit.

What to bring to an income tax clinic
What to do when you get an income tax refund

The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) has collaborated with CRA to develop the publication “What to do when you get an income tax refund” in PDF format that can be printed. This publication offers valuable guidance on financial rights and the steps you can take to effectively manage your money.

The publication covers topics and resources that a number of CVITP organizations indicated would be useful. It includes:

Cashing a Government of Canada cheque for free
Getting immediate access to the first $100 of a cheque
Direct deposit
Your right to open a bank account
Tips for finding the right bank account for your needs
Free, online tools:
-  Budget Calculator
-  Financial Goal Calculator
-  Account Comparison Tool
What to do when you get an income tax refund

2018 Money Pie Super Clinics

ESIC, the Canada Revenue Agency and Service Canada are teaming up to help New Brunswickers with a modest income file their taxes, get their children a Social Insurance Number (bring your children's birth certificate) and sign them up for the Canada Learning Bond all at the same time and location.  They can also learn about other programs and possible benefits for their families and for seniors. For more information on Super Clinics, call toll free 1-800-959-8281