Tax relief available to those with disabilities

East Kildonan

Winnipeg

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This article was published 13/03/2024 (811 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It’s tax season again. And one man is hoping to help folks who qualify for certain special tax credits get the most back on their returns.

Since 2009, Peter J. Manastyrsky has been actively educating others about various tax credits that are available to them — in particular, the federal disability tax credit.

According to the Canada Revenue Agency, the disability tax credit is a non-refundable tax credit used to reduce the amount of tax payable, both federal and provincial, on one’s income tax. It is available to those who have a “severe and prolonged impairment” which impacts daily living, where the impairment is not likely to get better, and has been in place for at least a year.

“It helps you when it comes down to what you owe the government or what they will refund you,” Manastyrsky said, noting that for 2024, those who qualify for the credit will receive a $9,428 deduction from their taxable income, up from over $8,000 last year. “I find it advantageous for all Canadians. If you are under 18, your parents can apply.”

The application to qualify for the tax credit can be daunting for those who are unsure if they qualify for the tax credit, which is where Manastyrsky’s service comes in.

“I try to streamline the whole process. I go to the client’s home, sit down with them for an hour or hour-and-a-half, I have the applications and the paperwork and we put it together for the doctor, to help them answer all the questions. I act as an advocate on their behalf and streamline it for CRA to evaluate the application,” he explained. “It’s a process that involves some time and effort, but over the years I’ve been successful in helping people because I’ve taken the time with them and they’ve taken the time with me.”

There are two streams for accessing the tax credit: physical and mental. Common claimable disabilities include inability or trouble walking, dressing or feeding oneself, lack of bladder and bowel control, among others.

“It is very specific,” Manastyrsky said. “One that is a big challenge lately, is people who are Type 1 diabetic. They should qualify. But the thing is, you have to identify that the person is keeping a log, diary, and so on.”

Those who have been living with a disability for some time but have never claimed the tax credit, can retroactively apply for it going back as much as 10 years.

“Some people have received over $20,000 over that 10-year period,” Manastyrsky said. “That’s all your money.”

Manastyrsky, an East Kildonan resident who is otherwise retired, estimates he’s done more than 1,000 applications since 2009. While he charges a small fee for his work, and is an active member of the Better Business Bureau in good standing, he maintains his passion for helping others keeps advocating for those who qualify to apply for the credit.

“I’m a strong believer in this, because it’s very important,” he said. “I feel I’m helping people out, which I like to do.”

For more information, contact Manastyrsky at 204-663-4651.