As the deadline to file taxes approaches, the government is reminding Albertans that support is available.
Community organizations throughout Alberta are hosting free tax clinics to prepare returns for eligible lower-income residents.
For instance, in Edmonton, ASSIST Community Services and Action for Health Communities are offering tax return help several days a week. In Calgary, the Alexandra Centre Society has a few volunteers to help people on a drop-in basis.
For more information on these clinics, visit the Canada Revenue Agency website.
Tax returns are due April 30.
READ MORE: Alberta parents encouraged to look at child benefit program before filing tax return
The NDP government is also reminding families about the new Alberta Child Benefit, which any household earning less than $41,220 per year in net income qualifies for.
The maximum annual benefit is $1,100 for families with one child, up to $2,750 for families with four or more children.
To qualify, families must file a 2015 tax return, have lived in Alberta for at least one month, have at least one child under the age of 18, and meet the income requirements.
READ MORE: Alberta budget 2016: Winners and losers
“Anything that we can do as a larger community to help those who are vulnerable and living in poverty is good for all of us,” Katelyn Lucas, executive director of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary, said.
“We are delighted that with the new Alberta Child Benefit, some of those Albertans who need help the most will find it.”
Overall, 130,000 lower-income families could receive a total of $195 million in annual benefits from the new child benefit.
The first payments will go out in August.
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