1. Who are the trained volunteers?

Trained volunteers with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program and Social Planning Research Council prepare tax returns for people with a modest income, for free. Volunteers are trained by Canada Revenue Agency, undergo a criminal police check and are supervised by volunteers from the Hamilton Chartered Professional Accountants Ontario Association.

2. Is there a drop-off option?

No. All tax returns are prepared during your visit. This means all returns completed and reviewed with you are immediately electronically filed. If information is missing to file your claim, you will need to bring it to another scheduled clinic. After your return is filed, you will receive a copy of your return, proof of filing, an estimate of the benefits you will receive and an estimate of your tax refund or tax owed, if applicable.

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

Clinics offered by the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program are drop in. Drop-in means there are no appointments. Returns are prepared on a first-come first-serve basis. Depending on the volume of clients you may be required to wait up to an hour. Every effort is made to provide you with timely service. You will be given a number based on when you arrive and check-in at the clinic. Preparing your return is estimated to take no more than 45 minutes.

You can also book a date and time to have your tax return filed by the Social Planning and Research Council.

4. What happens during my appointment?

The trained volunteers go through all your provided documents, ask you questions and prepare your tax return. A supervisor from the Hamilton CPA Ontario Association reviews it before eFiling your return. A copy of the return is provided to you. If you are applying for Child Care Benefits, please bring each child’s Social Insurance Number and proof of their legal name(s).

5. What if I am missing documents and receipts?

You should have received your documents and receipts by the end of February. Some documents — T3 or T5013 — arrive in March. If you have not received your T4, contact your employer and ask 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 expenses and rent receipts.

6. What is needed for rent receipts?

Ideally you should have received a rent receipt from your property owner that shows the total amount paid, 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-transfer, proof from your bank account will suffice.

7. 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. Your return is prepared based on truthful information provided to the volunteer. You must keep the receipts if the CRA asks you to verify any information in the tax return. Hamilton CPA Ontario’s number is provided on the volunteer form and the control document number, as proof you have eFiled your return. An estimate of your benefits and credits is also provided.

8. What if my return can’t be electronically filed?

A physical copy of your return is provided so that you can mail it to CRA. All receipts must be included when you mail your tax return.

9. 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.

10. If I am married, 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 and only one partner receives the benefits (the first partner 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 prepared to provide their net income information.

11. 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 2023 tax return.

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

Let us know if you would like direct deposit or need to change your banking information. Volunteers can update your banking information when your 2023 return is filed. Bring your three-digit bank number, five-digit transit number and account number.

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

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

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

You do not need income to file a tax return. You should claim your tuition expenses to help reduce future tax liabilities when you start earning income. You are also eligible for benefits that will help you offset your inflationary costs.

15. When is the filing deadline for 2023 taxes?

April 30, 2024. Any amount owed to the government must also be paid to avoid interest and penalties. This also ensures you’ll receive your benefits and credits on time in June. If you are already receiving benefits, there will be no disruption to your cash flow. If you do not owe the government, you can file your taxes anytime during the year.

16. I am an international resident. I left the country in 2023 but now I am back. Must I file a return?

You/Volunteers must assess if you must file as a non-resident or resident. “To become a non- resident of Canada, you must sever most, if not all, your primary residential ties with Canada. Having your spouse and dependents leave Canada with you, or soon after, impacts primary residential ties. In addition to primary residential ties, certain secondary residential ties should be severed.” As a non-resident you may still be required to pay taxes on Canadian Source Income. This situation is more complex and you will need to provide details to volunteers. If you are unsure of your situation, fill out the Determination of Residency Status form and let the CRA determine your status for you before you file your return.

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

In two-four weeks the CRA will mail you a Notice of Assessment, which confirms the benefits and credits you will receive and tax refund or taxes payable. Volunteers provide an estimate upon filing. Any errors or omissions are corrected by the CRA.

18. What if I do not have a Social Insurance Number?

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.

19. What if I forgot to claim some expenses?

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. It can be uploaded to your online CRA account.

20. What’s an online Canada Revenue account?

An online CRA account functions similarly to your online bank account. All your tax information is held in one place. CRA is going paperless. Individuals who file electronically receive their Notice of Assessment through their CRA account. If you have already filed a return within the last two years you are eligible to 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.