Free Tax Return Filing Services

Hand holding cell phone using the calculator application, partner logos in the lower right corner

Tax season is upon us. To help make the task of filing your return easier, trained volunteers from the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program and Social Planning and Research Council offer free drop-in and by-appointment tax clinics for eligible individuals and families with modest income (see the chart below) at select Hamilton Public Library branches. Clinics run in March and April to meet the April 30 filing deadline.

This year all clinics are in person. There is no drop-off service.  

Important: Canada Housing Benefit 

The one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit aims to help low-income renters with the cost of renting. You may be eligible for a tax-free one-time payment of $500 if your income and the amount you pay on rent qualify. Eligibility is based on the amount of rent you paid and maximum income of $20,000 for individuals. You do not have to file this year’s tax return to apply for this. 

Visit canada.ca to apply through your Canada Revenue Agency account or apply online or by phone.  

Tax Document Checklist 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Modest Income Explained 

Family Size 

1 Person 
2 People 
3 People 
4 People 
5 People 
More Than 5 People 

Total Family Income 

$35,000 
$45,000 
$47,500 
$50,000 
$52,500 
$52,500+$2,500 per each additional person   

These free tax services are not for individuals who are/have: 

  • Self-employed 
  • Business or rental income and expenses 
  • Capital gains or losses 
  • Employment expenses 
  • Interest income greater than $1,000 
  • Filed for bankruptcy or are deceased 

This free tax filing service is a partnership with Hamilton Public Library, CPA Ontario, Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, McMaster University and Canada Revenue Agency. 

Download the 2024 schedule.

Saturday March 9 | 10-4pm |Terryberry | Drop In

Saturday March 16 | 9:30-3pm | Central | Drop In

Tuesday March 19 | 9:30-3pm |Concession | Registration

Wednesday March 20 | 9:30-3pm | Valley Park | Registration

Thursday March 21 | 9:30-3pm | Turner Park | Registration

Saturday March 23 | 10-4pm | Terryberry | Drop In

Monday March 25 | 9:30-3pm | Sherwood | Registration

Thursday March 28 | 10-6pm | Central | Registration

Saturday April 6 | 10-4pm | Red Hill | Drop In

Monday April 8 | 9:30-3pm | Dundas | Registration *(Rescheduled to April 11)

Wednesday April 10 | 9:30-3pm | Valley Park | Registration

Saturday April 13 | 10-4pm | Barton | Drop In

Monday April 15 | 9:30-3pm | Barton | Registration

Tuesday April 16 | 9:30-3pm | Concession | Registration

Wednesday April 17 | 9:30-3pm | Red Hill | Registration

Thursday April 18 | 9:30-3pm | Turner Park | Registration

Saturday April 20 | 10-4pm | Barton | Drop In

Monday April 22 | 9:30-3pm | Red Hill | Registration

Thursday April 25 | 10-6pm | Central | Registration

Saturday April 27 | 10-4pm | Central | Drop In