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Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Tax Clinic  

Apr 2, 2025 05:00 PM to 06:30 PM
MUSC 311/313

Registration Deadline: Apr 2, 2025 03:51 PM

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Tax Clinic  

It's time to get empowered by taking control of your finances. Join our clinics to learn how to prepare your own 2024 personal tax return. We'll teach you all you need to know, from understanding your taxes and the return process to how to prepare and click submit.  

Each clinic has two parts with a break in between:   

  • Part one: Learn about the important benefits and tax credits you can receive now and in the future.   
  • Part two: We'll help you prepare your return using Wealthsimple. We recommend creating an account in advance.  

By the end of the clinic, you'll be able to file your return to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on the spot! 

Register for MyCRA Account 

If you have already filed your taxes before and do not already have an online CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) account, you can register now for your online CRA account to make it easier to prepare your return. You will need a copy of your return from last year. Visit the CRA website and follow the instructions for My Account for Individuals. 

 

Things to Note:  

  1. You are required to have a Social Insurance Number (S.I.N.) to file a tax return. If you have a spouse or common-law partner who has been living with you for more than 12 consecutive months, you will need their net income or have them join the sessions with you so you can prepare the returns together. ? 
  1. Work at Home Expenses: Before 2023, the CRA allowed a temporary method of $2 per day if you worked at home for at least 50% of the time. Post-2023, the CRA requires us to use a detailed tax return preparation method. Therefore, if you were a hybrid or remote worker, you must complete a T777 - Statement of Employment Expenses. Learn more about Work At Home Expenses. The main expenditures include heat, utilities (electricity and water), internet, and rent for space, office, and supplies. 
  1. Documents and information required for part two of the clinic (prepare in advance): 
  • T4 employment income slip 
  • T4A scholarships, bursaries 
  • T5 Investment Income 
  • Rent receipts for 2024 (e-transfers sufficient) 
  • Medical expenses: UHIP premium and out-of-pocket expenses 
  • Tuition T2202: Please consult with your parents (if you are a domestic student) regarding an optional transfer of unused tuition (up to $5,000) 
  • Moving expenses to Hamilton, Ontario, to attend McMaster (transportation, including flights and ground) 
  • Childcare expenses 
  • RRSP contribution 
  • Charitable donations 
  • Last year's Notice of Assessment Form (NOA), if you have it 

 

You can also prepare taxes for previous years if you have never filed them. However, you will need to do those first.  

 

Have questions? Email money@mcmaster.ca. 

 

Visit our FAQ on taxes for more information. 

 

Can't make it to this clinic? Please register for our other DIY Drop-In Tax Clinics on March 18, April 2 or April 22.