H&R Block offers a little extra help this tax season

With the economy still uncertain, Canadians are looking for ways to save money, pay off debt and stretch every dollar they spend. At H&R Block, we want to make things easier.

For a limited time, we are giving Canadians who earned received all of their income from social assistance or the Universal Child Care Benefit or both a break this tax season. From now until February 24, you can get your tax return prepared for free at participating locations across the country.

Even if you earned no income in 2011, it is still important to file a tax return. Benefits like the quarterly GST/HST, Canada Child Tax Benefit and Guaranteed Income Supplement are all calculated based on your last tax return filed. And there are provincial credits to consider as well. But failing to file a tax return by the deadline means these payments will stop.

If you qualify for the free tax preparation, your return will be covered by The H&R Block Advantage, so you have year round support if you need it.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) also provides free tax clinics during tax season. To find one close to home, check out http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/vlntr/clncs/menu-eng.html. Or you may find a group near you like St. Christopher House in Toronto which has free tax filing programs.

If you prefer to do your tax return yourself, you can file for free using H&R Block at Home online if you earned less than $20,000 in 2011.

No matter how you decide to prepare your return, it is important that you file your taxes by the April 30 deadline in order to get your benefits and credits. Missing the deadline may mean your payments are late.

Brenda Bryant
Senior tax pro and community supporter