Low Income People Involvement (LIPI) is once again running a free tax clinic this year.
It’s thanks to $2,300 in federal funding.
Anthony Rota, MP for Nipissing-Timiskaming, says these clinics play a key role in making sure people with a modest income and simple tax situation have access to the programs and benefits they deserve.
“A lot of the programs and benefits that are out there and come to people, you have to fill [in] your taxes beforehand,” he says. “Sometimes life circumstances come up, you fall behind and you really miss that opportunity. By having someone fill out your taxes and make sure that it’s working, you qualify for those benefits.”
Lana Mitchell, Executive Director for LIPI says they have worked with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program since 2012.
“As of January 31, 2024, we have completed 28,731 tax returns,” Mitchell says. “The program is managed by volunteer Jim Parker who since 1988 has facilitated the filing of 47,697 returns in total.”
She adds the federal financial assistance makes this community service possible.
