As an international student, it is important to have a good understanding of what is expected of you regarding Canadian taxes, as well as how to correctly file Canadian tax returns. There are several options for getting help with your taxes. Below we have included video tutorials, online resources, workshops to further your understanding, and community tax resources. Please see the video tutorials created by the Canada Revenue Agency, which can help provide a better understanding of the Canadian tax system.   It's important to know how and why to file, and how this relates to residency, scholarships/bursaries, deductions, and much more!

Canada’s Income Tax System
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/international-non-residents/individuals-leaving-entering-canada-non-residents/you-international-student-studying-canada.html 

2020 Income Tax Package
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/tax-packages-years/general-income-tax-benefit-package/ontario.html 

Workshops and Information Sessions

February 11, 10am-11am EST - International Student Connect Session on Personal Finance
Join Yana, YMCA Settlement Counsellor in learning about banking in Canada and building credit history. Click here to register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2598107905255448845

February 25, 6-7pm EST - Understanding Ontario’s Personal Income Tax, Credits and Benefits
Join Jeremy, a representative from the Ministry of Finance, to learn more about all things taxes and how you can get the most out of your tax return. Click here to join: https://lakeheadu.zoom.us/j/96816571225?pwd=b0xKK1NXYkhNdUFqN1hCMWt4c2dNUT09

March 3, 11:30am-12:30pm EST - Understanding Ontario’s Personal Income Tax, Credits and Benefits. 
Join Jeremy, a representative from the Ministry of Finance, to learn more about all things taxes and how you can get the most out of your tax return.  Click here to join: https://lakeheadu.zoom.us/j/97762620268?pwd=NXhBNm56ajU4Qzg2ZlY3K0NNLzJzUT09

March 9, 1-2pm - Personal Finance with Author Rob Brown
Presentation and Q&A with Rob Brown: Author of Wealthing Like Rabbits.  Click here to join: https://lakeheadu.zoom.us/j/97770532670?pwd=U3VuYzJpMlhxTlQ4c3JjUGszZzJKQT09

Getting Assistance with Your Taxes

What to bring with you:

• government issued ID (example: Passport, Ontario photo ID card, driver's license)

• T2202A (found in your Lakehead MyInfo account under "My Financial Profile". Just print it out and bring it with you.)

• T4 slip (you will ONLY have this if you are currently working and your employer will provide it to you)

• other documents you may have are rent receipts, donation receipts, medical expense receipts, any other income slips you may have.

Information Orillia Income Tax Clinic (OR)

(705) 326-7743
info@informationorillia.org
By appointment only. A small fee between $10-25 will apply.

Lakehead Social Planning Council (TB)

(807) 624-1720
lspc@tbaytel.net
By appointment only.

Salvation Army Tax Clinic (OR)

(705) 326-3472
Visit https://www.nsmhealthline.ca/displayservice.aspx?id=169507 for more information.
By appointment only.

Government of Canada Certified Tax Software

The NETFILE and ReFILE services will be open until Friday, January 22, 2021. Visit https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-services/e-services-individuals/netfile-overview/certified-software-netfile-program.html for more information.

UFile (TB & OR)

As a member of LUSU and the Canadian Federation for Students (CFS), you have access to a FREE online tax filing for free from UFile!  To file for free, members must:

• Sign in to a new or existing UFile account (visit www.ufilefree.ca) for the current tax year

• Enter tuition fees and months at school (must file T2202a)

• Locate the “Special Offer” form in UFile’s left-hand navigation

• Enter the special offer code: CFS1981

• (note: entering the code CFS1981 at check-out will not discount the tax file, the student must enter the code in the Special Offer section.)

Visit https://cfs-fcee.ca/services/ for more information, or contact LUSU at general@lusu.ca.

As of January 7th 2021, all travellers seeking entry to Canada are required to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 molecular polymerase chain reaction (or PCR) test completed 72 hours prior to their flight departure (96 hours for select destinations: https://tc.canada.ca/en/initiatives/covid-19-measures-updates-guidance-issued-transport-canada/covid-19-pre-departure-testing-transport-canada-interim-order).

Please visit this link for more information. 

For students travelling internationally, you must familiarize yourself with COVID-19 testing requirements prior to booking your flight. Some countries also require proof of a negative COVID-19 test to travel along with other requirements.  

For students needing a negative COVID-19 test to travel outside of Canada, testing for international travel is currently only being done by a private lab company Northstream Labs in Thunder Bay.  (Message from NorthStream Labs: Please be advised that our 888 number is not working at present, however it should be restored within the week. To reach us please call 807-630-4446 or 807-631-3020.)  Please visit their webpage for information on how to access their testing services. Do not contact Thunder Bay Public Health Unit, as they will not perform COVID-19 tests for international travel at this time.

Yes, you can still continue your winter semester online, however these courses will not be counted towards your post-graduate work permit duration upon graduation. They will however be counted towards your course requirements for degree completion. We would recommend you make an appointment with Lakehead University’s Immigration Advisor at 

https://www.lakeheadu.ca/international/online-community/appointments?service=Immigration+Advising

To resubmit your study permit application right away if you decide to continue your studies.