Students can still get free tax filing help from the SAGBC.
Tax season is already here.
For most students, taxes can be a bit overwhelming, especially if it’s their first time dealing with it. In this case, having the essential information can help reduce stress and make the entire process a bit easier.
In Canada, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is the governmental institution responsible for collecting taxes.
This year, the tax season started on February 24 and runs until April 30, which is the deadline for both filing and paying taxes.
“Recognizing that the tax season can be a busy time is always best to take the first step in learning about what you need to know for your individual tax situation. And that’s where we provide so many resources on the canada.ca website,” says Zacariah Fernandes, communications manager at CRA.
If the resources provided online by the CRA are not enough, additional help is available through free tax clinics.
“The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is kind of an initiative that is the CRA collaborating with local community organizations to host these free tax clinics in support of individuals with a modest income and a simple tax situation. So, someone like a student can visit our website and search what clinics are in your area that can help you out. And if you’re looking for free tax clinic support in a language that isn’t French or English, there may be a community organization hosting a free tax clinic that can support you in another language”, says Fernandes.
Students from George Brown College (GBC) can access the tax clinic promoted by the Student Association (SA).
“The SAGBC Tax Clinic was created to provide free, accessible tax-filing services for GBC students, particularly those unfamiliar with the Canadian tax system. The clinic helps students maximize their tax refunds, claim eligible credits, and meet filing obligations,” explains Ibrahim Kuhail, senior projects coordinator with the SA.
In the past year, the SA clinic assisted more than 600 students through the tax clinic. This year, they are expecting to serve between 800 and 1,000 students, from March. 10 to April. 25, at all three major campuses and virtually.
The clinic is staffed by volunteers, primarily current GBC students, and alumni.
“While having a background in accounting or finance is beneficial, it is not a strict requirement. The number of volunteers are between 20 and 30, all must be registered as CRA tax clinic volunteers and obtain an EFILE number. They receive UFILE training by the CRA team, including hands-on experience with tax software and guidance on handling common tax situations for students”, explains Kuhail.
To prepare for the clinic, attendees must bring key documents such as their SIN, T4, T2202 tuition slips (available on Stu-view), previous tax return assessments (if applicable), and any relevant receipts like for medical expenses, donations, or moving costs. It is also important to have direct deposit information in hands to ensure a smooth tax filing process.
All students interested in using this service can register online via www.studentassociation.ca/sagbc-tax-clinic/.
