The 2024 tax season has officially commenced across Quebec, with various organizations stepping up to assist individuals with modest incomes. One notable participant is Solutions Budget Plus, located in Sherbrooke, which has processed over 7,000 tax files annually—including more than 6,000 during the busy months from February to April.
Staffed by around fifty dedicated volunteers, the organization aims to make tax preparation more accessible. Paul Fortier, who has volunteered at Solutions Budget Plus for nearly 30 years, recalls the early days when tax returns were filled out by hand. "Here, it takes 10 to 15 minutes," he shares, noting the efficiency gained since those earlier times.
Alain Régimbalde, another volunteer, expresses his satisfaction with the work, saying, "It's rewarding because it's about helping people.” Solutions Budget Plus also collaborates with retired professionals from Revenu Québec and various financial institutions to provide the community with dependable support.
According to Michèle Goyette, co-director of Solutions Budget Plus, the assistance isn’t just about fulfilling one’s civic duty. “It’s also about accessing different credits,” she emphasizes. Clients may be eligible for substantial tax refunds, which can significantly affect their financial situations. For many, it means access to work bonus allocations and federal allowances for workers.
The service is offered at minimal cost, with participants contributing approximately ten dollars per person, supplemented by support from Desjardins and the federal and provincial governments. Goyette emphasizes, "If we want people to file their tax returns to claim the benefits and credits they need, we must offer them services like this.”
This support is particularly relevant as Revenu Québec recently announced the launch of ImpôtNet Québec, allowing taxpayers to file their 2024 income tax returns electronically. This method is touted as the simplest, most reliable way for Quebec residents to meet their tax obligations and receive refunds more quickly. The deadline for personal income tax submissions is April 30, 2025, and for self-employed individuals, the cut-off is June 16, 2025.
Revenu Québec is also encouraging helpful resources to assist individuals through the process. They are launching their annual advertising campaign urging people to visit the informative website justepourtous.ca, where residents can find information on available tax credits relevant to them.
Overall, during the last tax season nearly 7.1 million individuals submitted their tax returns, with approximately 67.7% receiving refunds. This trend highlights both the importance of assistance programs and the substantial financial impact they may have on low-income households.
To qualify for free tax assistance offered via Revenu Québec's partnership with community organizations, individuals must meet specific criteria, including income thresholds which cap out at $35,000 for singles and $45,000 for couples. If individuals have dependents, the income ceiling increases by $2,500 for each additional person living at home.
This year, 550 organizations and 3,710 volunteers participated, helping upwards of 215,200 individuals with their provincial tax filings. Such programs are invaluable for those who would not otherwise afford professional tax preparation services.
With the tax season underway, it’s imperative for individuals to gather all necessary documentation, stay informed of important deadlines, and utilize available resources. Starting February 24, 2025, individuals were already able to submit their filings online—a faster and greener way to manage financial responsibilities.
This tax season may also present new opportunities for financial growth, particularly for those previously oblivious to credits and benefits they can claim. The possibilities offered through governmental support highlight the importance of fiscal awareness and proactively seeking assistance.
Revenu Québec is determined to continue its mission of supporting residents through informed tax practices and accessible resources. And as noted by financial experts, taking advantage of these programs can lead to significant returns for both individuals and families as they navigate their financial futures.