It’s tax time again, and with the daunting task of filing returns, some people might be considering their options earlier than later. Luckily, if you’re filing a low income basic tax return, the Collingwood Public Library and two accountant volunteers can help.
On Friday, April 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. patrons can bring their documents to the free tax clinic hosted at the library on a walk-in basis to file.
Before COVID-19, “there was a bit of a demand but nothing like there is today,” said Lori Crossan, the adult and senior programs coordinator at the Collingwood Public Library.
This program was created because of recognizing the need for it in the community. That need has increased since.
When it was offered over four years ago, the program ran differently, she explained that there was one volunteer who was able to help with about nine returns. As more people came to the clinic the format has adapted to enhance efficiency.
“I know we won’t be able to resolve the demand we’re faced with, but it’s a way of helping our community,” said Crossan.
This year she has two volunteers and is pleased to offer the clinic again. Last year the program ran by appointment, but for whatever reasons some people were not able to show up to their scheduled times; it caused some delays to the services.
Crossan suggested offering the clinic on a walk-in basis this year, which will help with the organizational obstacles encountered last year and monitoring those present, waiting for an appointment.
She described the library area that includes comfortable seating and a coffee station for those waiting to file their returns. Last year, she said it was nice to see some people who attended say that they had never been to the library before and then returned for other reasons.
Crossan noted that the two “fabulous accountants” from last year are willing to lend their time again this year.
“I was so impressed. They were just so calm and so efficient and the people came out and were so thrilled because it’s a free service and I think it was such a sense of relief for them to get it done,” said Crossan about her volunteers and the patrons who attended the free tax clinic.
Her only concern is that they don’t have enough time to help everyone. The April 11 date was selected as there is still ample time to file before the tax return deadline of April 30th, 2025.
For basic returns, there are also low-cost options to file online through UFile or TurboTax.
Anyone interested in the library’s tax clinic is encouraged to check the list of necessary documents provided on the library website prior to attending.