Tax Services

It’s that time again — tax season is here.

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.

Eligibility

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 dates and locations

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.

What to bring

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.

Part 1: Filing Taxes and COVID-19 Update (recording available)

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

View Tax Webinar Part 1

Part 2: Do It Yourself for Free with Wealthsimple Tax (recording available)

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

View Tax Webinar Part 2

Drop-in virtual tax appointments for students

Appointment registration

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.

Preparing for your appointment

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).

Notice for international students living outside of Canada

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.

Have you applied for the Climate Action Incentive?

Learn More

About the Tax Squad

The Tax Squad Program is part of the Hamilton Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), which helps Hamiton individuals and families with low income get their taxes done for free. The CVITP program is a partnership between the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and Canadian Professional Accountants (CPA).

Join the Tax Squad

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.