What does the UBC TACS do?

UBC TACS is a student-run volunteer organization that offers help to low-income individuals, couples, and families.

I have registered, but why are there no appointments?

If this is the case, we currently have no more available appointments. If you would like to attend one of our sessions, we recommend you come by the International House for a drop-in session. However, the availability of volunteers for these drop-in’s are not guaranteed as clients with appointments will get first priority. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

What are your hours of operation?

For 2012, UBC TACS runs Mondays to Fridays from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Where are UBC TACS appointments held?

All UBC TACS appointments are held at the UBC International House at the Vancouver Campus. Unfortunately, we do not offer our services at the UBC Okanagan campus at this time.

Why should I file taxes if I am unemployed or attend school?

Please visit http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/tpcs/ncm-tx/flng-blgtns/menu-eng.html for more information.

Can UBC TACS complete my tax return before the clinic season?

Unfortunately our volunteers and supervisors are not been properly trained and may be unaware of new policies set by the Canada Revenue Agency each year. Our volunteers and supervisors must be given permission to prepare tax returns by the Canada Revenue Agency and until then, they will be permitted to complete tax returns for the community.

I am out of the region – Can UBC TACS help me with taxes via Skype?

Our volunteers and supervisors are unable to provide support with tax returns via Skype as this is beyond the scope of the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program and is not permitted by the Canada Revenue Agency. Emailing or any means of electronic communication with your confidential tax information is forbidden.

Can UBC TACS send me my UBC tax documents and forms?

UBC TACS is strictly a volunteer organization and we are not affiliated with the UBC Administration. In order to get UBC documentation, we recommend you visit the UBC Student Service Center or contact UBC Enrollment Services at Brock Hall.

This is my first time doing a Tax Return, what do I need?

You do not need to bring a Notice of Assessment as this is only issued to those who filed a tax return prior to this year. You do, however, need to bring all necessary APPLICABLE documents and identification listed in our Procedures.

Am I required to bring a SIN?

In order to file your tax return, you must bring your SIN. If you are a Canada citizen and if you do not have a SIN, you must bring a photocopy of ONE of the following for CRA to issue a temporary SIN:

• Valid passport
• Driver’s license
• Birth certificate

What if I don’t have a SIN?

To apply for a SIN, please visit Service Canada. If you are an International Student, apply for the Individual Tax Number (ITN) – see below.

What if I am an International Student without a SIN?

If you do not have a SIN, we will require your Individual Tax Number (ITN) from you. Do not submit this form if you have, or are eligible to obtain, a social insurance number (SIN). If you do not have a SIN, you will need to apply for an individual tax number (ITN) by filling out the T1261 online or it can be picked up at the clinic. The process of getting this number may take 4-6 weeks, so please start early!

Where can I find my Notice of Assessment?

Your Notice of Assessment is typically mailed to you after you have completed a tax return of the previous year. If you are unable to locate this, our Volunteers can still process your tax return.

To prevent this problem next time, we would ask if you apply for an Account with the Canada Revenue Agency. The Notice of Assessment can be retrieved online at http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/tpcs/ncm-tx/ssmnt-eng.html. This process can take several weeks to process as CRA will mail you an access code.

What are T4 forms?

T4 forms are received from your employers through the mail. If you did not work in Canada in the year of the income tax return, you will not receive any T4′s.

For Teaching Assistants and Research Assistants, please contact your Graduate Secretary.

What are T4A forms?

T4A forms are received from UBC through the mail. If you did not receive any scholarships or bursaries in the year of the income tax return, you will not receive any T4′s.

What are T5 forms?

T5 forms are received from the financial institution that you invested with in the year of the income tax return through the mail. If you did not invest in any interest paying asset in 2009, you will not receive any T5′s.

What are T2202A forms?

T2202A forms are tuition amounts paid in the income tax return year. They can be downloaded and printed off of the UBC Student Service Center. It can be on the menu bar on the left once you have logged in.

What are eligible tuition fees?

You can claim only the fees paid for courses you took in the year. More than $100 for the year must have been paid to each educational institution whose fees you claim.

Eligible tuition fees include:

• Admission fees
• Charges for the use of library or laboratory facilities
• Examination fees
• Application fees (but only if the student later attends the institution)
• Charges for a certificate, diploma, or degree
• Mandatory computer service fee
• Academic fees
• The cost of any books that are included in the total fees for a correspondence course
• Fees such as athletic and health services fees, paid to a university, college, or other educational institution in addition to your tuition for post-secondary courses, when such fees are required to be paid by all students. If not all students are required to pay them, then amounts eligible are limited to $250.

You cannot claim the following as tuition fees:

• Students’ association fees
• Medical care
• Transportation (except transit passes) and parking
• Meals and lodging
• Goods of lasting value that you will keep, such as a computer, microscope, uniform, or an academic gown
• Initiation or entrance fees to a professional organization
• Cost of books (other than books that are included in the total fees for a correspondence course)

Can I NETFILE with an Individual Tax Number (ITN)?

No, you must have a SIN. If you have an ITN, you must mail to the International Tax Services Office.

For Non-Residents/International Students:
International Tax Services
102A – 2204 Walkley Road
Ottawa ON K1A 1A8
Canada
According to CRA

What is the difference between NETFILE and EFILE?

NETFILE is an electronic tax-filing option. This transmission service allows you to file your personal income tax and benefit return directly to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) using the Internet. You can only transmit your own tax return to the CRA using NETFILE.

EFILE is an automated service that permits those who prepare and file taxes on behalf of others (volunteers file a client’s taxes on the client’s behalf) to electronically file the current year income tax and benefit return to the CRA via the Internet.

What if I am missing information?

If you have to file a return, file it on time even if some slips or receipts are missing. If you know that you will not be able to get a slip by the due date, attach a note to your return stating the payer’s name and address, the type of income involved, and what you are doing to get the slip. To calculate the income to report, and any related deductions and credits you can claim, use any cheque stubs you may have and attach them to your return. To get a missing slip or receipt, contact the person who should have sent it to you. For example, if you are missing a T4B slip, contact your employer.

When can I expect a refund?

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) usually processes paper returns in four to six weeks. The CRA can process most returns filed electronically in as little as eight business days.

Are there other important information I should refer to?

The Students and Income Tax section within the Canadian Revenue Agency website can be very useful. There is also a version for International Students.