Filing tax return

By Rabiul Biplob

Many taxpayers find it difficult to choose how to submit their income tax return and find the constantly changing rules make it complicated.

Many also don’t understand why they should submit an income tax return. They also find it confusing to decide whether to submit online, use software or ask for help from an income tax consultant. People who have no income are often unsure of whether they need to file a tax return.

“Even if one has no income to report or tax to pay, one may be eligible for certain payments. In order to receive these payments, one must file a return,” said Monsur Elahi, a tax consultant in Windsor.

He said an income tax return must be submitted to receive the HST/GST credit, Canada Child Tax Benefit payments and other provincial or territorial tax credits. Elahi also said it is important for people to get advice from an expert. If people can’t afford a tax consultant there are free clinics available.

The University of Windsor has a free consultation and support centre where international students can go to get answers about submitting their income tax return.

There are other volunteers who help individuals regarding their problems with filing income tax returns like Community Volunteer Income Tax Return. CVITP works with the Canada Revenue Agency. The organizations host tax preparation clinics and arrange for volunteers to prepare income tax and benefit returns for eligible individuals who have a modest income and a simple tax situation.

Azharul Chowdhury works in a factory as a technician and his wife Nasreen Akter works as a teacher in Kuwait.

“We submit our income tax return through a tax consultant. We do not have to worry about that,” said Chowdhury. “Our tax consultant is in Ottawa and I am in Toronto and we did not face any problem with that.”

Sayeed Sultan Alamgir is the owner of a grocery store on Sandwich Street.

“I take help to file my own and for my business from a tax consultant. He does all the accounts and tax part,” said Alamgir.

Elahi said the tax code is complex and always changing. Filing a tax return without help can be overwhelming.

Canadian tax returns are due to the Canada Revenue Agency on April 30.