1. What do I need to bring to the clinic?  

To prepare your tax return, please bring a government photo ID, tax documents and expense receipts. Please see the tax return checklist for a list of documents to bring. If you have a copy of your return from last year, you can also bring it. If you have children, please bring valid ID – including health cards or passports.  

2. Who are the trained volunteers at the drop-in clinics?  

Trained volunteers with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) are students from McMaster University. All volunteers undergo screening and must provide a criminal police check before the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) approves their participation. Volunteers are trained and supervised by Chartered Professional Accountants.   

3. Who’s running the appointment-only clinics? 

The Social Planning Research Council’s Hamilton Financial Empowerment and Tax Help Program runs these clinics. This program is funded in part by United Way Halton & Hamilton, the City of Hamilton – City Enrichment Fund, and the Canada Revenue Agency’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. 

4. What are the eligibility criteria for this free clinic?  

These clinics are for individuals and families with modest incomes: $35,000 for an individual and $45,000 for a family of two. Income levels increase based on the number of people in your family. Volunteers do not prepare tax returns for complicated returns, including self-employment income, rental income and deceased individuals.  

5. Is there a drop-off option?   

No. All tax returns are prepared during your visit. All returns are completed and reviewed with you immediately before they are electronically filed. Tax returns are prepared based on the information you provide. You are responsible for disclosing accurate and complete information.  

After your return is filed, you will receive a copy, proof of filing, an estimate of the benefits you will receive and whether you owe taxes or will receive a refund.  

6. What does a drop-in clinic mean? How long will I need to wait?   

Returns are prepared on a first-come-first-serve basis. You will be given a number when you arrive and check in at the clinic. Depending on the volume of clients, you may need to wait up to an hour. CVITP makes every effort to provide you with timely service. Preparing your return is estimated to take no more than 45 minutes.  

If you prefer to make an appointment, you can book a date and time for the Social Planning and Research Council to file your tax return.  

7. What happens during my appointment?   

The trained volunteers review all your provided documents, ask you questions and prepare your tax return. A CPA supervisor reviews the return before sending it electronically. You are provided with a copy of the return. If you are applying for Child Care Benefits, please bring each child's Social Insurance Number (SIN) and proof of their legal name(s).  

8. What if I am missing documents and receipts?   

You should receive your documents and receipts by the end of February. Some documents — T3 or T5013 — arrive in March. If you have not received your T4, ask your employer for another one. If you are unable to get them, let the tax volunteer know. The volunteer can check with CRA for income documents and your tuition form – T2202. You must provide receipts to claim expenses such as disability credits, childcare, and rent receipts. 

9.  I work at home for my employer part of the time.  What kind of expenses can I deduct?  

Those wishing to deduct work-at-home expenses must refer to the government’s Work at Home Expenses document to determine the expenses to claim. These expenses are recorded on the T777S or T777.  

10. What is needed for rent receipts?   

Ideally, you should have received a rent receipt from your property owner that shows the total amount paid, the address and contact information for the property owner, and the period you rented. If the property owner does not/will not provide copies of cancelled cheques or e-transfers, proof from your bank account will suffice.  

11. Do I need to mail my tax return and send in my receipts?   

You are not required to send in any receipts to the CRA if your return is electronically filed. In some cases, you may mail your return. The volunteer will advise you if this is required. Your return is prepared based on truthful information provided to the volunteer. If the CRA asks you to verify any information in the tax return, you must keep the receipts for six years. Hamilton CPA Ontario's number is included on the volunteer form as well as the control document number as proof you have e-filed your return.  

12. What if my return can't be filed electronically?  

CVITP will provide you with a physical copy of your return so that you can mail it to CRA. Include all receipts when you mail your tax return.  

13. What if I did not prepare returns for previous years?   

If you owe taxes, there is a penalty for not filing by the yearly deadline. If you do not owe taxes, there's no penalty. Tax volunteers can file returns going back 10 years.  

14. If I am married/common-law, do we file taxes as a family?   

Taxes are always filed individually. However, information about your partner's income and SIN is included. Benefits and credits are based on combined family income; only one partner receives the benefits (the first to file). Therefore, it's a good idea to prepare returns at the same time to avoid miscalculations of benefits and credits. If your spouse has already filed their return, please be ready to provide their net income information. 

15.  My partner is working and unable to attend the clinic. If I bring their documents and ID, will you be able to prepare their return at the same time?  

No. The CRA requires us to verify the identity of the individual for whom we are filing a return.  

16. I moved this year. All my receipts have my old address. Is this a problem?  

No. Volunteers can update your address when they file your 2024 tax return.  

17. I am still getting cheques for my benefits. How do I get direct deposit into my bank account?   

Let us know if you want direct deposit or need to change your banking information. Volunteers can update your banking information when they file your 2024 return. Bring your three-digit bank number, five-digit transit number and account number.  

18. Are there age requirements for filing individual benefits and credits?   

You can file for Ontario-related benefits at age 18 and the federal GST benefit at age 19. 

19. I am a student and have no income. Do I still need to file?   

Filing a return will provide you access to benefits. You can start filing a tax return at age 18. It is important to record your tuition expenses to help you in the future when you have income.  

20. When is the filing deadline for 2024 taxes?   

The deadline to file is April 30, 2025. If you owe money to the government, you should pay it to avoid interest and penalties. If you do not owe the government, you can file your taxes anytime during the year. To avoid delays in receiving benefits, you should file by April 30 or at least by June. If you are already receiving benefits, there will be no disruption to your cash flow.  

21. What happens after my return is eFiled to the CRA?   

In two to four weeks, the CRA will mail you a Notice of Assessment, which confirms the benefits and credits you will receive and the tax refund or taxes payable. Volunteers provide an estimate upon filing. The CRA corrects any errors or omissions.   

22. What if I do not have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)?   

A valid SIN is required to file a tax return. Apply for a SIN if you don't have one. It's free. If you are a non-resident, apply for an Individual Tax Number before filing.   

23. What if I forgot to claim some expenses in past years?   

You can file a T1 Adjustment form. If you forgot to include an expense in the prior year, the tax volunteer can help you fill it out. If you have one, it can be uploaded to your online CRA account or mailed to the government.  

24. What's an online Canada Revenue account?   

An online CRA account functions similarly to your online bank account, keeping all your tax information in one place. Individuals who file electronically receive their Notice of Assessment through their CRA account. If you have filed a return within the last two years, you can register for a CRA account. To register for an online account, you will need a copy of your tax return in front of you. Visit canada.ca for details.