The Okotoks Family Resource Centre helped low-income families claim over $1.4 million on their 2018 tax returns.

The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is a Canada Revenue sponsored program which matches low-income residents with volunteers to complete their taxes.

Debbie Posey, Community Wellness Manager with the Town, says families sometimes feel anxious about filing their taxes for the first time in a few years.

"We've had people come that haven't done tax returns for six or ten years, and now they're worried about doing a return," Posey said. "Half the time when they get their return done by a volunteer they find they've got a nice refund coming."

Residents who don't complete their income tax return risk losing out on benefits.

"They often lose out on government benefits, like their child tax credit, or their Canada pension, or AISH," she said.

The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program filed 258 returns in 2018.

Residents who would like to apply for the program can contact the Family Resource Centre.

Questions, comments or story ideas? Email bburnett@goldenwestradio.com.