Don’t worry, though. The Mac’s Money Centre Tax Squad is here to help, offering accessible online services to help you file your taxes on time with as little stress as possible.
Did you find these services helpful? Pay it forward by spreading the word on social media using #HelpingHamilton, #CVITP and #CPACanada.
Personal tax preparation service is available at no charge to Hamilton community members with a modest income.
The following individuals/families are eligible for support from the Tax Squad:
- One-person family: $35,000
- Two-person family: $45,000 (combined) or less
- Three-person family: $47,500 (combined) or less
- Four-person family: $50,000 (combined) or less, plus $2,500 for each additional person
Volunteers do not prepare complex returns, such as returns for individuals who:
- Have self-employment income
- Have business or rental income and expenses
- Have capital gains or losses
- Have employment expenses
- Have interest income greater than $1,000
- Have filed for bankruptcy
- Are deceased
Drop-off locations
Submit your tax documentation to Tax Squad volunteers at any of the following Hamilton Public Library locations:
Drop-off dates and hours
- March 25–27, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- April 8–10, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- April 22–24, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Note: Volunteers will complete your tax return off-site. The library will let you know when your return is ready for pick-up.
To make sure your tax return is completed correctly, please bring all of the necessary information that applies to your situation.
Information slips
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- T4 (employment income)
- T4A, T4A (P), T4 (OAS), T4RIF, T4E
- T5 (statement of investment income)
- T3 (statement of trust income allocations and designations)
- PT5007 (statement of benefits)
- RC62 (universal child care benefit)
- Your notice of assessment from last year’s taxes
Receipts
- Charitable donations
- Medical/dental expenses not covered by a health plan
- Rent
- Child care expenses
- Property taxes
- RRSP contributions
- Children’s fitness activities
- T2202 (tuition and education)
Do-it-yourself (DIY) tax webinars for students
This year, you have access to online tax support and guidance at our two-part DIY tax webinars in March. Register for these sessions to get expert advice and answers from financial professionals as you prepare your tax return in real time.
Do-It-Yourself Tax Webinar Part 1: Filing Taxes and COVID-19 Updates
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
Do-It-Yourself Tax Webinar Part 2: Do It Yourself for Free with Wealthsimple Tax
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
Drop-in virtual tax appointments for students
Sign up for a free online tax appointment to have your tax return prepared by a trained Tax Squad volunteer.
Register for a drop-in appointment timeslot
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.
Unfortunately, we’re unable to file tax returns for international students living outside of Canada. However, you can file your 2020 tax return when you return to Canada.
Please note that tax filing requirements and your ability to access tax benefits and credits are based on residency. It is not based on immigration status or citizenship. Visit the Filing Your Taxes page for more information.