Low-income Seniors Receive Tax Refund Cheques | novascotia.ca

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The province is returning provincial income tax to more than 16,000 seniors this week as part of its commitment to help make life more affordable.

For the second year, Nova Scotia seniors who receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement will be refunded their provincial income tax for the 2011 taxation year.

The cheques will provide eligible seniors an average of $457, and at least $50.

"We're putting this money back into the hands of seniors who need it, because we know that every dollar counts," said Premier Darrell Dexter. "Some of Nova Scotia's seniors need a little extra help to make ends meet. Initiatives like this one help make life more affordable for thousands of low-income seniors."

Seniors do not have to apply for this refund, but they must file a tax return each year. The Department of Finance uses information from tax returns to assess eligibility and to process the refunds.

"We are committed to helping provide seniors with the means to age positively," said Denise Peterson-Rafuse, Minister of Seniors. "Through this tax refund, and other initiatives, we are working hard to give our seniors the support they need."

As additional tax-return information is received from the Canada Revenue Agency, more refund cheques will be processed and mailed. Those who did not file a return for the 2011 taxation year, but who are eligible, can still receive the refund when they file a tax return.

In addition to the 2011 tax year refunds being mailed this week, the department will also be sending cheques to more than 400 seniors for the 2010 tax year after receiving additional data from the Canada Revenue Agency.

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FOR BROADCAST USE:

?????The province is returning provincial income tax to over

16-thousand seniors as part of its commitment to help make life

more affordable.

?????Seniors who receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement will

be refunded their 2011 provincial income tax. Eligible seniors

will receive, on average, 4-hundred and 57 dollars.

?????Premier Darrell Dexter says this puts money back into the

hands of thousands of low-income seniors, and will help make

life a little better for them.

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Media Contacts: Brooke Armstrong
????????????????Premier's Office
????????????????902-424-2402
????????????????E-mail: armstrbj@gov.ns.ca

????????????????Michelle R. Lucas
????????????????Department of Finance
????????????????902-424-8787
????????????????E-mail: lucasmx@gov.ns.ca

Source: http://www.gov.ns.ca/news/details.asp?id=20120822002