File your taxes in Edmonton or Calgary by emailing taxes@thefei.ca for a virtual appointment. Otherwise, attend our locations at the Calgary Full Gospel Church or the Africa Centre in Edmonton

Blog

Read insights, stories, and practical tips on financial literacy and community development. Our blog is a space for learning, reflection, and inspiration.

Getting Ready to File Your Taxes? 10 Things You Need to Know Before You Start

Tax season comes around every year, yet many people still feel unprepared when it arrives. At the Financial Empowerment Initiative, we meet people every year who delay filing simply because they feel overwhelmed or unsure about what they need. The truth is, filing your taxes can be much easier when you know what to expect….

Why Community Tax Clinics Matter More Than Ever

Community tax clinics play a quiet but important role. Many people do not realize how many individuals rely on these services every year. At theFEI, we see people who may not otherwise file. Some cannot afford professional services. Some find the process confusing. Others simply need guidance. Community clinics remove barriers. They create spaces where…

How Financial Literacy Builds Stronger Communities

Financial literacy is often seen as a personal issue, but at theFEI we see it as a community issue. When people understand money, the ripple effects are powerful. Families experience less stress. People make more informed decisions. Communities become more stable. When someone understands budgeting, they can plan better. When someone understands credit, they avoid…

New to Canada? 8 Financial Things Nobody Tells You (But Should)

Moving to a new country comes with many adjustments. Financial systems can be one of the biggest surprises. At theFEI, we often support newcomers who are learning how things work here for the first time. Here are a few things we often share: Filing taxes is very important, even with low income This helps you…

Financial Mistakes We See Every Year (And How to Avoid Them)

Working in community financial literacy gives you a front-row seat to the same challenges many people face. At theFEI, we often see patterns — not because people are careless, but because financial education is not always accessible. Here are some common mistakes we see: Not filing taxes for several years Many people delay because they…

What We Have Learned From Helping Hundreds of People File Their Taxes

Every tax season at theFEI, we meet people from all walks of life. Some come prepared with folders neatly organized. Others come feeling nervous because they have not filed for years. Some simply come because they were told, “You should really file your taxes.” After helping hundreds of people, one thing is clear: taxes are…