Media Advisory - CPA Ontario's Tax Preparation Assistance program in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay Multicultural Association hosts sessions on March 17 and 18

THUNDER BAY, ON, March 16, 2015 /CNW/ - Volunteer Thunder Bay Chartered Professional Accountants (CPAs) are providing free Tax Preparation Assistance for residents with low incomes on Tuesday March 17 and Wednesday, March 18. As part of their commitment to the community, CPAs are working with the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association to help people by doing their taxes free of charge.

The Tax Preparation Assistance program helps thousands of individuals prepare their tax returns so they can qualify for much-needed tax credits and refunds. Since the program was initiated, many Ontarians have benefited from the volunteer tax-preparation time of CPAs. Today, the program is an ongoing partnership between more than 300 community service groups that host the tax preparation services and volunteer CPAs who complete the returns free of charge. Last year, 2,300 volunteers prepared more than 24,000 tax returns in Ontario – CPAs have been assisting in preparing tax returns for 47 years.

To qualify for this free tax return assistance, individuals must have a total household income of less than $35,000 with dependants or less than $25,000 without dependants. Also, there should be no property income, business income and no terminal returns. People who qualify can book an appointment at these Thunder Bay sessions by calling Hermie Fabros at 345-0551. More information on sessions across Ontario can be found in the "Serving the Public" area of the CPA Ontario website at: cpaontario.ca.

Individuals who meet the income criteria, and have booked appointments for tax preparation assistance, are asked to bring a copy of their last filed return and notice of assessment, social insurance number for themselves and their spouse/partner, list of dependants and their birth dates and all tax slips and receipts. Tax returns will be completed on site at the centres.

"This program is vital to communities in Ontario, supporting people who need help the most," said Carol Wilding, FCPA, FCA, president and CEO, CPA Ontario. "Our members find it gratifying to get involved and to be able to give back to the communities where they live and work."

Reporters are invited to the Thunder Bay sessions to learn more about the Tax Preparation Assistance, the work of CPAs in your community and the importance of filing tax returns, especially for people with low incomes.

WHAT:	CPA Ontario's Tax Preparation Assistance Program in Thunder Bay
WHO:	Chartered Professional Accountants help prepare tax returns
WHEN:	6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17 and Wednesday, March 18
WHERE:	Thunder Bay Multicultural Association, 17 North Court Street
CONTACT:	Hermie Fabros at 345-0551

Media experts - Consider a CPA the next time you're looking for a subject matter expert to answer critical financial or business questions or when you need a panel expert to offer insight in a group discussion or debate.

About the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario

CPA Ontario protects the public interest by ensuring its members meet the highest standards for integrity and expertise. CPA Ontario serves and supports its more than 80,000 members and approximately 20,000 students in their qualification and professional development in a wide range of senior positions in public accounting, business, finance, government, not-for-profits and academe. Certified General Accountants (CGAs), Certified Management Accountants (CMAs) and Chartered Accountants (CAs) are now unified under the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. Chartered Professional Accountants are valued by organizations of all types and sizes for their financial expertise, strategic thinking, business insight, management skills and leadership. For information on the profession, visit cpaontario.ca. To become a CPA in Ontario, visit gocpaontario.ca.

SOURCE The Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario

Perry Jensen, Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario, 416-969-4271 or 1-800-387-0735, ext. 271, [email protected]; Amy Mulhern, Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario, 416-322-6520 or 1-800-668-1454 ext. 8311, [email protected]