Depending on several factors, eligible people can have their income tax done at Regional Connections in Winkler for free by a handful of internationally trained accountants until late April.

The program targets low-income families or individuals with simple returns. This is the first year Regional Connections has offered it.

The idea came down from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) which advised it was working well in Winnipeg, so people at Regional Connections decided to test it out this tax season.

"We've helped 10 families do their taxes," said Carina Sager, volunteer and integration coordinator with Regional Connections. Sager expected more people to take advantage of the service, but said the families they have worked with were all very grateful.

"We wanted to give people the opportunity, for those who can't afford to get their taxes done, to have them done," said Sager.

For the accountants offering their time, some are quite new to the area and Canadian tax practices. This gives them experience practicing their craft in Canada.