An upgraded tax credit for low-income Canadians is excellent news for Hastings County residents.
The new credit announced in yesterday’s federal budget will have people making $25,000 a year seeing a refund on their taxes go up by over $700 by 2019. Hastings County Director of Community and Human Services Erin Rivers says this is a sustainable and non-stigmatizing program, which will not be a barrier to employment.
Rivers says the Working Income Tax Benefit will also give low-income Canadians more financial security. With over three per cent of Hastings County residents getting Ontario Works benefits, she says the program won’t affect these benefits because it will be considered an asset.
While the federal government will automatically add the refund to your income taxes next year, you still have to apply for it now. Rivers says there are a number of volunteer tax clinics open to low-income Ontarians. Click here to see the full list.
