Real Relief During Tax Season.  Real Results for Canadians.

April 30, 2008

Today is the deadline for Canadians to file their tax returns. And this year the Conservative Government’s tax relief will result in hardworking families keeping more money to spend on their own priorities.

This year taxpayers will benefit from a variety of tax reductions and tax credits to help them make ends meet.

All Canadians who filed returns will benefit from the increased Basic Personal Amount which raises the earning amount before tax to $9,600. This change was made retroactive to January 1st, 2007, so Canadians will receive an additional refund from last year. This is real help for working families.

Commuting to work or school is now more affordable: the Public Transit Pass Credit lets those who purchase a monthly or yearly pass claim a percentage of the cost. Likewise, students will receive tax credits they can apply to their tuition, education or their textbooks.

Skilled workers who invested in tools last year can, if eligible, recover some of the cost through the Tradesperson’s Tools Deduction.

Working parents who use child care can claim their daycare expenses thanks to the Child Care Expense Tax Credit. If their kids are enrolled in sports programs, parents can also claim those costs, with the added benefit of healthy, active children.

Canada’s seniors will receive welcome relief with Pension Income Splitting and the increased Age Amount Credit, both of which make is easier to live on a fixed income.

While Prime Minister Harper is delivering real results for Canadians, Stéphane Dion is promising real tax increases instead. Mr. Dion has suggested he would hike the GST back up to 7%. Now he wants to drive the price of gas even higher by imposing a punitive carbon tax at the pump.

Prime Minister Harper and the Conservatives will continue to deliver real action and real results for all Canadians. Stéphane Dion and the Liberals are just not worth the risk.