Help Working Poor

It is with happiness that I see the government has decided to help the working poor. If you make less than $16,000.00 a year, you don't have to pay BC taxes anymore.........about time it started getting better for us.

One thing that I really have a problem with, and I realize the BC government doesn't control this, but, I am a single mom making approx. $17,000.00 per year so just getting by paying rent, food, and all utilities. I am supporting a child who is 18 and attending college plus working part time so that he has some spending money. (His father doesn't pay support)

I received my T4 from my employer and thought, oh good, I can pay that phone bill/fortis bill that I'm a bit behind on because I should be getting a nice chunk of money back. This is because I claim equivalent to married for supporting my child.

Well, imagine my surprise when my taxes were prepared and because he works, I had to claim his income. So, instead of getting approx. $1500.00 back, it drops to less than $300.00.

Reason being, he works so therefore is helping support the income for the home. I DON'T THINK SO !!!!!!!!!! Kids in his situation are trying to lessen the strain on their single parent so they work to have their own money and not have to ask us. So, thanks for the good news budget but maybe something should be done about that silly regulation.

R.F.