As tax season approaches, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is sharing tips on filing taxes to get the most out of the tax credits.

Filing taxes is not high on the priority list when someone first turns 65, but being in that age bracket opens the door to more options to get more money back.

Mariah Paraboo, manager at the Walnut Grove Liberty Tax branch, explained that some seniors can be eligible for the disability tax credit, where eligible individuals with a disability or their supporting family member can claim up to $8,000 per year as a non-refundable tax credit.

The home accessibility tax credit is a non-refundable tax credit for eligible renovations to improve the accessibility of a person鈥檚 home 鈥� up to $20,000 per year in eligible expenses can be claimed under this option.

And eligible medical expenses for an individual or their spouse or common-law partner can also be claimed.

CRA spokesperson Gurpreet Plaha recommends that anyone unsure what they may be eligible to claim, or if seeking more information, should visit a local tax clinic.

And there is an individual鈥檚 pension that鈥檚 taxable, but also the option of pension splitting with a spouse or common-law partner, which reduces any income tax owed.

鈥淏y transferring a portion of their pension to a lower earning spouse, they will be able to effectively reduce combined income and save on any income tax owed,鈥� Paraboo said.

She added that utilizing credits and benefits is an easy way to save money when filing taxes.

There is also a new B.C. tax credit available to residents who are paying rent, which can add up to $400.

Paraboo noted that retirement comes with lifestyle changes as well as financial changes.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a good idea to set out a budget plan for the income received from pension, old age security, and investments,鈥� she said.

The 91原创 Senior Resources Society (LSRS) also offers tax help for unemployed individuals earning $35,000 or less per year and couples earning $45,000 or less per year.

For more than 10 years, the senior society has opened its free, volunteer-run tax clinic in February, said Janet Madden, supervisor of member services at LSRS.

鈥淚t鈥檚 very simplified tax situations. There are some cases where we cannot complete a return, like for someone who is deceased or who has declared bankruptcy,鈥� she added.

This year there are three volunteers, who are returning from last year鈥檚 tax clinic, to run the clinic at the senior centre three days a week.

鈥淥ne of our volunteers has been with us for many years, Norma, and the other two have been here for about three years. They鈥檙e very well respected, and they鈥檙e in demand,鈥� Madden chuckled.

She noted that it鈥檚 a community volunteer income tax program in partnership with CRA, so it鈥檚 open to all who meet the criteria, but there is a focus on seniors.

The society started taking appointments on Feb. 15, slightly delayed from the usual Feb. 1 start due to the centre being flooded last month, Madden said.

Appointments can be booked starting Feb. 27 by calling the front desk at 604-530-3020, extension zero.

There is also free tax help available for seniors at the Salvation Army鈥檚 Gateway of Hope, which can be contacted at 604-514-7375.

SEE ALSO: Spring 2024 Seniors Directory