HELP’S HELP’S AT Hand, by North Shore Community Services (NSCS), is a forum for discussing government policies and pro- grams, benefits, consumer and legal rights, taxation and public services. Answers are intended only as a general guide and should not be applied to individual cases without further consultation. Question: [ have a permanent disability end because of it I have to buy special equipment and need help in my home. J have heard about a tax credit that | can aaim, Can you give me more in- formation about this? Answer: The disability credit is a tax deduction in the amount of $4,233. Under the ‘tax department definition, you must have had a “severe mental or physical im- pairment in 1992 that caused you to be markedly restricted in your basic activities of daily living, and have an impairment that has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months”’ to qualify. How can you tell if you are “markedly restricted’? under the ‘definition? They say that if you are legally blind, if you are unable to feed and dress yourself, walk, speak, hear, or perceive, think and temember, or if it takes an ex- tremely long time to perform these activities, you are markedly restricted. Furthermore, you must be markedly restricted all or almost all of the time. ‘If you are unsure about whether you qualify or not, it is probably best to consult with your doctor. To have further questions an- swered, you can contact the B.C. Coalition of People with Disabilities at 872-1278. If you find that you do qualify, you will need to complete form 72201, which is available from Revenue Canada. It must be’ cer- tified by a medical doctor and fil- ed with your tax return in the first year you make the claim. If you feel that you were eligi- 40 - Sunday, March 28, 1993 - North Shore News ble for this tax credit in previous years but did not make a claim, you may apply for adjustment to the previous years’ taxes, Since you need help in your home you may also be eligible for attendant care expenses as a deduction. There are rules about how to make this claim, which are too complex to discuss in this col- umn. Jt would be best to consult your tax guide (line 316, page 34) for further guidance. Regarding the special equipment you need, remember that you can claim medical expenses that are in excess of 3% of your net income {after deduction). For example, if your net income is $30,000 per year, your medical expenses must exceed $900 to justify a claim. Remember that it is necessary to complete a tax return to receive the GST refund or child tax cred- it, even if you do not have any earned income. To request special forms not in- cluded in the tax guide, call 669- 1033 in the Lower Mainland. Forms for claiming childcare expenses are not included in this year’s guide; therefore, you will have to call the above phone number and request that form T778 (calculation of child care expenses deduction) for 1992 to be sent 10 you. North Shore Community Ser- vices (NSCS) does offer a free in- come tax preparation service to people on limited income. For this purpose, ‘‘limited income’’ is defined as an annual income less than $15,000 for a single person or $20,000 for acouple. | Tax preparation is by appoint- ment only. Home visits can be made in cases where it is difficult for the person to get to the NSCS’s office. Call 985-7138 to book an appointment. When having your tax prepared, be sure to bring a copy of your 1991 tax return and all income receipts. This column is prepared with financial assistance from the Notary Foundation. For more in- formation call NSCS at 985-7138. » wednesday *Peoples Drug Mart *Eatons *Woolco Woodwards The Bay *Marks Work Wearhouse » friday *Pacific Linens *Real Estate Weekly Watch for our Real Estate Homes section }» sunday *Super Valu *Real Canadian Superstore *London Drugs *Extra Foods *Zellers Safeway Save-On-Footis Shoppers Drug Mart If you miss any of these flyers call North Shore News Distrioution 986-1337 » “deivered to selected areas only IGA Plus YES! WE ARE NOW OUK PERMANENT LOCATION Slinger {TAYLOR Way | Outside Entrance Between Canada Trust and Woodwards Park Royal North Still offering private collision and comprehensive with Free Emergency Road Service to qualifying buyers. Micheie Davies Lorraine Bullock For All Your Insurance Needs : sage * VHSC remote controlled © 8x zoom e Auto exposure Includes Bonus Case Tiffany Gilmore HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY 9:30-5:30 pm SATURDAY 9:30-5:00 pm 922-9321 F On everything in store We will pay your taxes ? (PST. & GST) Offer not valid with movie rentals, special orders, layaways, or previous purchases, ser’ = vice or software sales. Offer may end at any - = - time without notice. No rainchecks available. A DIVISION OF GENERAL TECHNICAL SERVICES 2021 Dollarton Highway 929-192 Tele le pee.