Student Success Centre

If you’re a Canadian resident who’s 18 years of age or older, then you’re eligible to file a tax return. This includes international students and any partners living with them in Canada.

When you file a return, you may be eligible for benefits and credits available for individuals and families with lower income in Canada. You can’t receive these benefits if you don’t file.

Only individuals who owe the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) taxes receive a fine for not filing their tax returns. However, students with no income won’t be subject to taxes.

First of all, congratulations! Learning to do your taxes is an essential part of understanding where your money’s going.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) recommends several free tax software, and they’re all acceptable. In our sessions, we recommend Wealthsimple Tax because it’s simple and intuitive and works well for simple returns. You can find more tax software options on the CRA website.

Remember, the concept of what to include and claim remains the same for any software — only the navigation changes.

No, you can use any software you want if you haven’t already filed your taxes this year. Delete your account on the other software and start fresh on the new one.

Note: If you use the same software, you can keep your personal information and the carry-forwards from your last year’s return.

Your address is an important piece of identification for the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and should always be kept up to date. If you’re attending a free tax appointment where one of our volunteers prepares your return, please provide your current address. The CRA will automatically update your address when we file your return. If you’re electronically filing your return — through one of our do-it-yourself (DIY) clinics, for example — you must update your address with the CRA before completing your return. Otherwise, you won’t be able to file your return.

How to update your address: You can make this change using the CRA My Account. If you don’t have an account, but you’ve previously filed a return in the last two years, we recommend registering for an account to receive email updates and easy access to your information. You can also call the CRA individual tax inquiry line to do so: 1-800-959-8281. Have a copy of your latest tax return in front of you to allow authentication.

No, having an outdated address on Mosaic doesn’t impact your ability to file taxes. However, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) needs your current address.

Note: You can update your address on the Mosaic self-serve portal.

Yes. However, both returns should be prepared at the same time. This is because some benefits are based on family income and the income of both partners for the software to accurately calculate the benefits. If your partner has already filed his own return, we will need to know his net income.

Note: Only the primary filer receives the benefit on behalf of the family. Any tax software you use will help you prepare both returns and then file them separately.

You must also include information for children under the age of 18.

To be considered a common-law couple, you must have lived together for 12 consecutive months (in most cases). Email us at money@mcmaster.ca if you’re not sure.

No. You don’t need to register for an online CRA Account before you file, but having a CRA account has a lot of advantages. It’s a secure online platform where you can access information on your taxes, credits and benefits. It allows you to edit your personal information, set up direct deposit, file your income taxes, register for email notifications, check when you’ll receive your benefits and manage all other personal tax matters in one place.

In addition, if you are preparing your own return then it allows you to autofill with tax information in your CRA Account. If you’ve filed returns in previous years, we recommend that you set up an account before filing this year.

Visit the CRA website to learn how to register. If you are choosing the password option watch this My Account video on the CRA YouTube channel.

This depends on the nature of your questions, but you can contact Mac’s Money Centre (money@mcmaster.ca) for support. If we don’t have the answer, we can guide you to get the information you need.

You don’t need to submit documents when you file your taxes. In Canada, we prepare our taxes on the honour system. However, you must keep your receipts for six years in case the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requests backup documentation. Remember that CRA already has a copy of all T4-related slips submitted by employers. If you omit a T4 on your return, they will re-assess your return to include it. If anything, they may request copies of your T2202 tuition slips to prove you’re eligible for the credits you claim. You can access the T2202 on Mosaic.

There are several ways available. If you have filed your own return (vs. using the volunteer tax clinic), you do have an option on the software to refile a return after you have received your Notice of Assessment (NOA). Make sure you save the tax software file of your return.

If you have an online CRA account, you can submit the adjustment online after receiving your NOA.

If the above options don’t work for you, you can fill out a T1 Adjustment Form, attach the receipts relating to the adjustment and mail it. The form lets you identify what you missed and where to include it on the return. Then, the CRA will adjust it for you and send a copy of your revised notice of assessment (NOA).

Good news! You can still file returns for up to 10 years. Start with the first year you were eligible to file a return (18 years old) and work your way from there. Most of the free tax software will allow you to prepare multiple returns.

Ensure you keep a copy of the confirmation that your file was submitted correctly to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Then, wait for your notice of assessment (NOA) to be ready. It usually takes a few weeks to process. We recommend saving a PDF of the return so you can refer to it later as needed.

Your NOA is a government notice confirming your tax refund, benefits and credits based on your tax submission. If they have made any adjustments to your return, this information will also be on your NOA. You can refer to your original tax return to check if the amounts match. If you don’t understand any adjustments, you should contact the CRA.

Read the message carefully to find out why. Sometimes, your name listed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) may not match the name listed on your tax return. This is common. Use the name indicated on your social insurance number (SIN). Other times, the first and last names can be in the wrong order. If you’re still unable to file, you can always contact the CRA.

Remember, your name, birth date, SIN and address must match the CRA’s records. In some cases where the CRA may not have any record for you, you’ll need to mail your return with all your documentation. Keep copies. If you mail your return, it’ll take longer to process.

Your nerves will most likely disappear once you learn more about the process and complete your first return. Doing your taxes is empowering, and it’s an essential part of understanding your financial situation and where your money goes.

It can take some time to understand the whole process, so make sure you check your return and ask questions. The good news is that most student returns aren’t complicated and can be easily done using free software.

Attend one of our do-it-yourself (DIY) clinics, and we’ll guide you through the process.

The standard deadline for filing returns is April 30. However, if you don’t owe the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) money, you can complete your taxes at any time. However, we still recommend filing on time so your benefit payments aren’t delayed.

Generally, students won’t owe additional taxes.

If you’re filing returns for multiple years, however, you can only receive the funds for these benefits for the last four years.

You can start by emailing us at money@mcmaster.ca and telling us about your situation. If needed, we can follow up with an appointment to better assist you.

You must have proof of payment to your landlord. You should first contact your landlord and ask them for a letter confirming the total amount you paid for the year. Have them include their name and address, and your name. They’re legally required to provide you with this receipt. If they don’t, keep a copy of your e-transfers or cheques as proof of payment. Never pay rent using cash.

You can claim $25 in occupancy costs if you lived in residence.

Yes. Ask for two separate receipts so you can both claim your share. Next time you rent, ensure that everyone living there’s included on the lease.

No. You must request a rent receipt from your landlord.

Yes. You can claim the rent if your parents agree to claim this amount as income on their tax return. This is a conversation that you will need to have with them. If not, then do not claim the rent on your tax return.

You can deduct medical premiums and expenses that your insurance didn’t cover (commonly known as “out of pocket”). Examples can include dental expenses, prescriptions and medical apparatus. Please refer to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for more details on all the types of eligible expenses and what documentation is needed. If you have a complicated medical condition leading to many expenses, email us at money@mcmaster.ca. We’ll help you identify which costs you can claim.

The DTC is a non-refundable tax credit helps reduce the income tax that people with physical or mental impairments — or their supporting family members — may have to pay. It aims to offset some of the costs related to the impairment. If the DTC total is more than the amount an individual owes on their taxes, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will not refund the remaining amount of the credit. However, you can transfer the unused portion of the credit to a supporting family member or your spouse/partner.

To qualify, you must file an application for the DTC with the CRA which must be supported by your attending physician. Learn more about the types of disabilities and eligibility criteria. If you require support in the process of applying, please contact money@mcmaster.ca for an appointment.

If you think you may be eligible for the DTC, you should apply. Being eligible for the DTC may help you access other federal programs such as:

• Registered disability savings plan
• Canada workers benefit disability supplement
• Child disability benefit

However, being eligible for other federal or provincial disability programs does not affect eligibility for the DTC.

In addition to the DTC, you’re also able to claim medical expenses for certain medicines, devices and treatments. This includes expenses associated with having a service animal, accessible computer software, changes you made to your home or car to make it more accessible and also sign-language interpretation services. Learn more about credits and deductions for persons with disabilities.

Yes. You must have a receipt from the day-care provider. The parent with the lower income must be the one to claim.

Up until 2023, the CRA allowed the flat method of determining home office expenses; this method provided a deduction of $2 for each day worked from home due to the COVID‑19 pandemic. The maximum an eligible employee could claim using this method was $400 (i.e., 200 working days) in 2020 and $500 (i.e., 250 working days) in 2021 and 2022. The CRA now requires that we use the detailed method of calculating home expenses using the T777 Form. Examples of eligible expenses include electricity, heat, water, utilities, home internet, maintenance and small repairs, and rent paid for space.

You can claim eligible moving expenses if you moved to be a student in full-time attendance in a post-secondary program at a university, college or other educational institution. However, you can only deduct these expenses from the parts of your scholarships, fellowships, bursaries, certain prizes, or research grants that are required to be included in your income.

To qualify, your new home must be at least 40 kilometres closer (by the shortest usual public route) to your new work location or school. You must establish your new home as the place where you ordinarily reside. For example, you have established a new home if you have sold or rented (or advertised for sale or rent) your old home. Generally, your move must be from one place in Canada to another place in Canada.

Students on co-op and internships:

If you moved to work, including summer employment, or to run a business, you can also claim moving expenses. However, you can only deduct these expenses from the employment or self-employment income you earned at the new work location.

You can claim moving expenses you incur at the beginning of each academic period as long as you meet the 40 kilometre requirement and you have earned income at your new work location.

For co-operative students moving back after a summer break or a work semester, you can also claim your moving expenses as long as you meet the previously-stated requirements.

If you received a reimbursement or an allowance from your employer for your eligible moving expenses, you can only claim your moving expenses if you include the amount you received in your income or if you reduce your moving expenses by the amount received.

Eligibility depends on several factors, including your income, the number of people in your family and the type of deductions you’ve utilized. Most students, even those working part-time, generally qualify for these benefits. The tax software you use will calculate the amount of benefits you’re entitled to.

Always check your return before filing to ensure the benefits and amounts are identified on your return. Check and re-check your inputs. You should check for a GST/HST benefit from the federal government, the Ontario Trillium Grant and the Canada Carbon Rebate. Also, check to make sure you have recorded your tuition for the purpose of recording your tuition tax credits.

No receipts are required. The amount you receive is based on your income.

The GST represents the federal government’s portion (5%) of the 13% tax we pay on most purchases. The benefit is designed to help offset this tax. You must be 19 years of age to apply. Regular quarterly benefits are sent on the fifth day of July, October, January and April.

This benefit combines the Ontario sales tax credit and the occupancy tax credit (if you rent or own property). You only need to apply for the rent/occupancy part of the Trillium benefit. Any tax software you use will automatically calculate the sales tax amount. You must be 18 years of age to apply. Monthly benefits are sent on the tenth day of every month, starting in July. If your benefit amount is less than $360 for the year, then you’ll get a lump sum payment in July for your eligible amount. You must have lived in Ontario in December 2023 to qualify for this provincial benefit.

The benefit is a new refundable tax credit for Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta residents. Starting in April 2019, residents of these provinces were charged a new federal carbon tax. The Climate Action Incentive is to compensate you individuals for the increased expenses.

You must be 18 years or older to apply. Only individuals and families who lived in the province for the entire year are eligible for this refund.

Absolutely.

You can only use your tuition tax credits to offset future government taxes. You’re not likely in this position as a student. However, to have these amounts available when you start working full-time, you must record them in the year they were incurred. These are known as deferred tax credits.

These tax credits will accumulate in your tax account, so make sure you record them every year. You can check these amounts on the T2202 form, which you can find on Mosaic. You should receive a copy of the T2202 form by the end of February, so check your account.

Yes and no. The government allows us to accumulate tuition credits to reduce future tax liability. The tuition credit is calculated at a rate of 15% of your accrued tuition amounts. Most students typically can use this credit when they start working full-time.

Tip: If you’re an international student, you must stay in Canada to be able to use tuition credits. You won’t be able to access them if you return to your home country.

You can find this amount on your notice of assessment (NOA). Or, you can find it on your Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) My Account. The CRA will automatically accumulate these credits from the year before, so you can leave it blank on your tax return if you don’t know what amount to submit.

Note: This only applies to domestic students.

As a student, all tuition credits belong to you, regardless of who paid them. It is your decision to transfer the tuition credit. You can transfer a maximum of $5,000 to your parents, partner or spouse.

Note: The transfer of tuition to a parent or grandparent only applies to a domestic student.

Tip: If you need the credit to pay a loan or tuition, then you can ask them to use the credit and give you the $750 tax refund.

You can claim moving expenses to cover your transportation costs if you’re travelling more than 40 kilometres for school or work. This could include renting a moving van, gas, food and temporary accommodations. You must have receipts to claim these expenses. These expenses are used to reduce taxable scholarships, bursaries and fellowships only, not employment income.

If you’re an international student, then you can claim the expenses to come to Canada. However, you can’t claim return flights if you’re going back home to visit.

Review the eligibility for the new CCB is entirely based on your family’s net income.

International students with families are also eligible for the CCB if they lived in Canada with their child for 18 consecutive months. If this applies to you, you must apply separately from your tax return by submitting an RC66SCH form.