City partners with local agencies to connect residents to free tax filing clinics in Hamilton

HAMILTON, ON - March 27, 2017 - The media and general public are invited to attend a free tax filing event at Hamilton’s Public Library on Thursday, March 30, 2017.

According to tax filer data in 2011, more than 7000 families did not file their taxes. This represents up to 13,000 children whose families did not receive the Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB) and other financial supports. This could mean up to $40 million per year available to but not currently being accessed by Hamilton families. For example, a family with 2 children and earning $28,000 a year could be eligible for a tax free benefit of $900 a month through the CCTB. Families receiving social assistance are also eligible for the benefit, and it isn't deducted from Ontario Works or ODSP.

By deciding not to file taxes, many residents are not aware of the government benefits that may be available to them. As part of the Poverty Reduction Strategy, the City of Hamilton, United Way Burlington & Greater Hamilton, the Hamilton Roundtable for Poverty Reduction and the Social Planning and Research Council are joining forces to help eligible residents file their taxes and connect them to untapped government benefits.

"Hamilton has a strong history of local collaboration on many important initiatives. Alleviating poverty in Hamilton is a key priority for the City so I’m especially thrilled to partner with the United Way, the Social Planning and Research Council and Hamilton Roundtable for Poverty Reduction to build awareness of free tax filing services. By connecting people to free tax filing services and helping them access the government benefits they are entitled to, together we can break the cycle of poverty for so many of Hamilton’s residents." Fred Eisenberger, Mayor

Free tax filing clinic at library

The awareness campaign begins with a free on-site tax clinic for individuals with income below $30,000 or families with income below $40,000 to complete their taxes.

For residents who are unable to attend Thursday’s event, information on where to find local free tax clinics and the information participants need to bring to the clinic is available at: www.hamiltontaxhelp.ca

Date: Thursday, March 30, 2017
Time: 12:30 to 5 pm
Location: Hamilton Public Library, 55 York Blvd, Hamilton
At 12:30 pm, remarks from:

• Tom Cooper, Director, Hamilton Roundtable for Poverty Reduction
• Mary Long, Director, Labour Community Services at United Way Burlington and Greater Hamilton
• Paul Takala, CEO & Chief Librarian, Hamilton Public Library
• Aaron Gillespie, Senior Manager, KPMG
• Fred Eisenberger, Mayor of Hamilton
• A resident’s story of tax filing - Jodi Dean
• Closing remarks and next steps

Eligible residents can get free help to file their 2017 income taxes and learn more about the government benefits that are available.

Additional resources

• Watch Laura’s story
• Watch Gord’s story