Tax Clinic
Let’s be real — no one really looks forward to tax season, especially when you’re a student. That’s where we come in.
How the Tax Clinic Operates
Our trained student tax clinic supporters help you file your taxes with confidence. Just bring your documents and a laptop, and we’ll guide you step-by-step. You’ll get your taxes filed and leave with the knowledge of how to do them yourself in the future.
The Tax Clinic runs annually in the winter semester at all campuses, with appointment booking available online.
Locations
North
Details coming soon!
Lakeshore
Details coming soon!
Downtown
Details coming soon!
How to Become a Tax Clinic Supporter
Help your fellow students file their taxes with confidence. As a tax clinic supporter, you gain unique and valuable experience in the financial services field with IGNITE and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Tax clinic supporters are hired in the fall semester and support IGNITE during tax season from February to April. We recruit supporters for Lakeshore, North, and Downtown campuses. Applications are accepted through our job portal.
Student Voices
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out our most commonly asked questions that our supporters answer each year so you can be well prepared for your appointment.
How do taxes work?
Taxes are taken from each of your paycheques and sent to the government on your behalf. At the end of the year, you file a tax return to figure out whether you owe more money or if you’re getting a refund. After you file, you’ll receive a Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency. This document summarizes your return. This document will also help you with your tax filing in the future.
We highly encourage you to create a CRA account after your tax return is processed. It helps you track your return, benefits, and other tax details online.
Why should I file a return?
If you were living in Canada prior to Dec. 31, 2026, you’re expected to file a tax return. Even if you did not have an income, filing is important to be able to access benefits and credits you may be eligible for.
Filing your taxes can help you maintain a good financial record, access benefits and credits and stay up to date with the CRA.
When is the deadline?
The deadline for filing your Tax Return is April 30 every year.
What types of income do students usually have?
Student income often includes
- T4: Employment income
- T4A: Scholarships, bursaries, OSAP
- T4E: Employment insurance benefits
- T5007: Social assistance or disability income
- T5/T3: Investment income
What documents do I need to bring?
You’ll need documents such as T2202, T4 and other tax slips.
Check out the tax checklist below for a full list.
How do I create a CRA account?
Creating a CRA account makes it easier for you to manage your taxes and government benefits online.
You can create your CRA account through the official CRA website. If you have never filed a tax return before, you will not be able to create a CRA account yet. You must file your taxes before registering. If you completed your taxes through the IGNITE Tax Clinic, you can find your tax return PDF by logging into your UFILE account.
What credits and deductions can I claim?
You may be eligible to claim tuition credits (T2202), medical expenses, student loan interest, childcare expenses, union dues, charitable donations, RRSP contributions, or disability-related credits.
What happens to my tuition credits?
Tuition credits help reduce the amount of tax you owe. If you don’t need them right away, they’re carried forward to future years—usually when you start working full-time and earning more income.
You can also transfer up to $5,000 of your tuition credits to a spouse or common-law partner or parent or grandparent.
How can I check my tax information after filing?
The easiest way is through your CRA account. You can also contact the Canada Revenue Agency directly if you have further questions about your return or benefits.
Your Tax Clinic Appointment Checklist
Here’s everything you need to know before your appointment with our tax clinic supporters and everything you need to bring to ensure your appointment goes smoothly.
Personal Items
- Your laptop
- SIN (Social Insurance Number) or ITN (Individual Tax Number). If you don’t have a SIN or ITN, contact Service Canada at 1-(800) 622-6232
- Government-issued photo ID or Passport
- Immigration Papers (Study and/or Work Permit)
- Banking Information for Direct Deposit
Income
- Income tax slips: T4 (from your employer), T4A (for scholarships, awards, GRS, and bursaries), and T4E (employment insurance benefits) if applicable
- Interest tax slips: T3 or T5 from financial institutions. Contact your financial institution for a copy if applicable
- T5007 Statement of Benefits (Worker’s Compensation Benefits, ODSP/Social Assistance Benefits)
- Spouse/common-law partner’s income in 2025 (your spouse/common-law partner must also file a tax return if they are in Canada with you)
- Filled out T929 form (Disability Supports Deduction) and all relevant receipts/prescriptions CRA approval letter for the T2201 (Disability Tax Credit Certificate) if applicable
Expenses
- T2202 Tuition and Enrolment Certificate
- Rent Receipts and/or Property Tax Verification
- Donation receipts if you donated to a Canadian charity
Other
- Any other relevant documentation (e.g. RESP, medical receipts)
- Any correspondence from the CRA if you’ve filed taxes in Canada before, including your past notice of assessments
Questions? Contact the Team
Connect with one of our customer service representatives through our live chat or via email.