The provincial government has just announced plans to expand Disability Alliance BC’s Tax AID program to help disabled people file their tax returns.
The program, which provides tax filing support all year round, is already operational in Vancouver. It will now get a $1.14 million boost from the province, allowing for an expansion to Victoria, Kelowna, and Prince George.
In Victoria, the DABC has contracted with Together Against Poverty Society (TAPS), an organization that helps provide simple tax solutions to low income individuals, to help them implement the plan.
“Twenty thousand people with disabilities fail to file their income taxes each year,” said Jane Dyson, executive director, DABC.
“This means they lose out on refunds and income-tested benefits, which could improve their finances. Now, with government’s support, we can help a lot more people unlock the advantages that come with filing annual tax returns.”
Tax AID services were first offered by the DABC in Vancouver in 2015, with the help of the Vancouver Foundation.
In order to qualify for the program, individuals must be receiving the provincial persons with disabilities (PWD) benefit, or the persons with persistent multiple barriers to employment (PPMB) benefit.
Over 546,000 people over the age of 15 in British Columbia identify as being disabled.
