FREDERICTON (GNB) – New Brunswickers who want to benefit from the available provincial and federal tax credits, including the new provincial HST credit, are being reminded to file their income tax return before the Canada Revenue Agency’s April 30 deadline.
“Filing an income tax return is essential in order for New Brunswickers to benefit from the new HST credit because the payments will be based on income as reported in their return,” said Finance Minister Roger Melanson. “Even if you don’t have any income to report, you need to file a return to be eligible.”
The deadline to file is April 30 in order to benefit from most provincial and federal credits.
The new HST credit will help low- and middle-income New Brunswickers. The full HST credit will be provided to those with an income of less than $35,000 per year. In addition, individuals with incomes of less than $50,000, or a family of two adults and two children with a combined income of less than $75,000, could receive a payment. The credit will be paid along with the federal GST credit on a quarterly basis by either direct deposit or cheque. Smaller payment amounts will be paid annually.
“Filing income taxes also gives qualifying individuals and families access to programs like Healthy Smiles, Clear Vision, Canada Learning Bond, New Brunswick Child Tax Benefit, Canada Child Benefit and the New Brunswick School Supplement, in addition to the new provincial HST credit and the federal GST credit,” said Ed Doherty, minister responsible for the Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation.
Low- and middle-income New Brunswickers with straightforward tax situations may be eligible for free help in preparing their tax returns. For more information on New Brunswick’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, call 1-800-959-8281. Details about the Canada Revenue Agency’s Volunteer Tax Preparation Clinics offered in the province are available online.
The agency will consider returns postmarked by midnight, May 2 because the April 30 deadline falls on a Saturday.
28-04-16