Tax Services

Do-It-Yourself Tax Webinar Part 1: Filing Taxes and COVID-19 Updates

• Tax Webinar Part 1: March 19, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (online)
• Tax Webinar Part 1: March 29, 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (online)

Learn all about filing taxes in Canada, the tax impacts of COVID-19 benefits and new tax deductions introduced in 2020.

Agenda:

• Tax basics: What you need to know
• Tax forms: What they are and where you can find them
• Tax benefits and credits: What to expect after filing your return
• Tax information specific for international students and their families

Note: You’ll get a 60- or 90-minute break between the webinar parts. After you get an overview of the basics in part one, this break is when you can finish collecting your tax receipts and other tax information so you can complete your tax return during part two of the webinar.

Do-It-Yourself Tax Webinar Part 2: Do It Yourself for Free with Wealthsimple Tax

• Tax Webinar Part 2: March 19, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (online)
• Tax Webinar Part 2: March 29, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (online)

Learn how to file your own taxes using a free tax software called Wealthsimple Tax. It’s the most popular software, and we recommend it because it’s straightforward and easy to use.

Agenda:

• Introduction to Wealthsimple Tax: How to download the software
• Setting up your online account
• Completing your profile information
• Getting yourself organized to complete your taxes: Sorting your tax receipts and other information
• Inputting your tax information online: What information goes where? How do you add it?
• Reviewing your tax return output: How much money do I get back? How do I know if I did it right?
• How to submit your taxes
• What to expect from the government after submitting your taxes

Note: You’ll get a 60- or 90-minute break between the webinar parts. After you get an overview of the basics in part one, this break is when you can finish collecting your tax receipts and other tax information so you can complete your tax return during part two of the webinar.

Register for a drop-in appointment timeslot

• Tax appointments: March 20, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• Tax appointments: March 20, 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Tax appointments: March 31, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Tax appointments: April 11, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• Tax appointments: April 11, 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

To register, select a three-hour timeslot. Appointments will take place on a first-come, first-served basis during these times. Please be aware that there may be a bit of wait if many students arrive at the Zoom meeting at the same time — our tax services are popular! We recommend you have something to read or work on as you wait for your appointment during the timeslot.

If you have any questions about the drop-in appointments, please email money@mcmaster.ca. If you need accommodations or have questions about accessibility, please contact nelsonrm@mcmaster.ca. All personal information will be kept confidential.

What to bring to your tax appointment

• T4: Employment income slip
• T4A: Scholarships, bursaries, CERB, CESB
• T5: Investment income, RESP
• T2202: Tuition — please consult with your parents if you are transferring up to $5,000 unused tuition funds (domestic students only).
• Rent receipts for 2020
• Medical expenses: UHIP premium and health-care expenses not covered by insurance
• Moving expenses to attend school in Hamilton
• Childcare expenses
• RRSP contributions
• Charitable donations
• Last year’s notice of assessment form (if you have it)

Things to note

• If you are filing with your spouse or partner, please have them join the Zoom meeting with you and bring all necessary tax documentation. (Note: Both individuals will still need to submit separate returns.)
• You must have a social insurance number (SIN) to file a tax return.
• If you have never filed your taxes before, we can prepare your taxes for previous years. Please remember to bring any slips/receipts and all necessary documentation for the previous tax years to do this. Filing your taxes will allow you to collect your GST/HST credits, rent rebates and register your tuition credits for future use.
• The deadline to file your taxes for the 2020 tax year is April 30, 2021, to collect your benefits on time.

How to access your McMaster tax forms

McMaster has made it simple for students to access and print their university tax forms on Mosiac.

How to find your T2202/T4A:

• Log in to Mosiac using your MacID.
• On the home page, select “Student Centre.”
• Scroll to the section titled “finances.”
• Use the drop-down menu and select “print/view tax forms.”
• Select the appropriate tax form(s) and the tax year.
• Print your tax slip(s).

How to find your T4:

Student staff, as well as part-time and full-time McMaster employees, can also access their tax forms on Mosaic.

• Log in to Mosiac using your MacID.
• Go to “Mosiac home.”
• Select “employee self-service” from the drop-down menu.
• Choose “view T4 slips”
• Print your tax slip(s).

Note: We have our volunteers for 2021, but check in with us next year!

As a Tax Squad volunteer, you are participating in the Hamilton Tax Preparation Assistance (TPA) Program. Gain valuable experience and help people in your Hamilton community. No experience is required. All training will be provided.

To be considered as a volunteer, you must be prepared to commit to 10 hours for training and a minimum of 15 volunteering hours.