(NC) Life can be complicated but doing your taxes shouldn’t be. Whether this is your first time filing a return or your circumstances have recently changed, there is information and free help available to put your mind at ease. Here’s what you need to know for this year.

Not sure if you need to do your taxes? Even if you didn’t have any income in 2018 or your income is tax exempt, you should still file a tax return. Doing your taxes gives you access to important benefit and credit payments, like the goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit, the Guaranteed Income Supplement, the Canada child benefit and any related provincial or territorial payments.

How do you complete your return? Most people choose to file online since it’s fast, easy and secure, and it often means you’ll get your refund sooner. There is even free tax software available that does most of the hard work for you. If you prefer to do your taxes on paper, you can download the forms online or order them by phone. Limited quantities of tax packages will also be available at Canada Post, Service Canada and some Caisse populaire Desjardins locations. If you filed by paper last year, the Canada Revenue Agency will send you a paper tax package by mail – you should receive it by February 11.

Need help doing your taxes? If you have a modest income and simple tax situation, volunteers from the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program may be able to do your taxes for free. There are free tax preparation clinics all over Canada. If you live in Quebec, you can get help through the Income Tax Assistance Volunteer Program, offered in partnership with Revenu Quebec.  

What if you don’t have access to a bank account? If you don’t have access to a bank account, you can choose to have your refunds or benefit and credit payments mailed to you. Make sure you keep your address up to date so that you continue to receive your payments on time.

What if you don’t have a permanent address? If you don’t have a permanent address and you are staying with a friend, family member or at a shelter, you can use that address when you fill out your tax return and your payments can be mailed there. You can also sign up for direct deposit so that you get your tax refund and benefit payments deposited directly into your bank account.