The Association of Bhutanese in Ontario (ABO) successfully organized an interactive Tax Awareness Program aimed at empowering Bhutanese students, work permit holders, newcomers, and families with essential knowledge about the Canadian tax system and government benefits. This community-focused initiative was designed to help participants better understand the importance of annual tax filing, available tax credits, and the financial benefits that many individuals and families may qualify for through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). During the session, participants learned about important topics including:

• Understanding the role of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
• Why filing taxes is important, even with low or zero income
• GST/HST Credit eligibility
• Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
• Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)
• Tuition Tax Credits for students
• Important tax documents such as T4 and T2202 forms
• CRA My Account and Direct Deposit setup
• Tax tips for international students and work permit holders

(Source: Canada Revenue Agency – canada.ca/en/revenue-agency) The session encouraged active discussion and community participation, allowing attendees to ask questions, share experiences, and gain practical guidance on navigating Canada’s tax system confidently. Through programs like this, ABO continues its commitment to supporting the Bhutanese community in Ontario by promoting financial literacy, awareness, and access to important government resources and benefits. We sincerely thank all participants, volunteers, and supporters who contributed to the success of this program. Together, we are building a stronger, more informed, and financially empowered Bhu