Financial Literacy Events and Activities
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Budget Health
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All About Tax
Resources and Initiatives
The Fanshawe Student Union (FSU) has many student financial resources; see below for more information. If you have any financial questions, contact FSU Finance Coordinator Jerry Thomas.
Note: There are several financial aid opportunities for students offered by the Fanshawe Student Union and Fanshawe College. Visit our Financial Aid page for more information.
Financial Literacy Events and Activities
FSU holds financial literacy related activities throughout the year, including:
- Financial Bingo
- Money Talks
- Financial Aid Workshops
- Tax Clinics
Visit our Upcoming Events page to view all upcoming events.
Budget Health Videos
Episode 6: Shop in Season
Fanshawe College has a free downloadable Sample Budget you can also use to help simplify your budgeting.
Using a mobile app is another great way to help make budgeting more accesssible. The following apps are free to download:
- Mint Connect all your accounts to track spending, balances and manage your budget.
- Goodbudget A modern budget tracker that uses the envelope budgeting method.
- Government of Canada Budget Planner Create your budget and receive personalized tips to improve your finances.
All About Tax
Tax Tips
Remember these helpful tips while filling your taxes this year!
- You can file your taxes for free! Save money when filing your taxes by using free software such as Turbo Tax Free and SimpleTax! You can also search on the CRA website for free tax clinics in your area.
- Minimize the amount of tax you have to pay by filing your T2202 tax form! A T2202 is an income tax form issued to post-secondary students which shows the amount of tuition that can be deducted from your tax bill. Depending on your situation, this form either will help you pay less taxes for the year or give you a nice refund! You can find it on Web Advisor by going to Financial Information, View My T2202.
- What is the difference between a T4 and a T4A? A T4 is a tax slip issued to you by your employer. This slip shows how much employment income you were paid during the tax year and the amount of income tax deducted. A T4A tax slip includes other types of income. If you received a bursary, scholarship or a monetary award from Fanshawe, a T4A will be issued to you.
- CERB and CESB payments are taxable! If you received CERB or CESB payments, you are required to pay taxes on these. A T4A will be issued to you by the CRA which you will need to include when filing your taxes. If your total income for the year was less than $12,000 you don’t have to worry about paying any income tax!
- Don’t forget to claim the Climate Action Incentive tax credit! If you were over the age of 18 and a resident of Ontario on December 31, 2020, you are elegible to claim the $300 tax credit for single adults. The amounts vary for couples and dependants. Visit the CRA website for more information.
Learn more about ways to do your taxes: Visit the Ways to do your taxes page on the Government of Canada’s website.
Free Tax Clinics and Free Tax Software for Students
Need help filing your taxes? See below for Free Tax Clinics for Students.
- Lindsay Mathyssen MP Volunteer Tax Clinic (Virtual): How to Book An Appointment: Call 519.685.4745 or email taxclinic1700@nullgmail.com
- Compass Tax Clinic (Virtual): How to Book An Appointment: Email taxclinic@nullcompasschurch.ca
- London Intercommunity Health Centre at Central Library (Virtual): How to Book An Appointment: Call 226.268.2806 or email annjoburke@nullgmail.com
- London Intercommunity Health Centre at Central Library (Drop-off only Clinic): Starts on March 1 and ends on April 30 and is available for drop off of forms during library hours. Email bonnie2392@nullgmail.com
- Knollwood Park Baptist Church (Virtual): How to Book An Appointment: Email taxclinic@nullknollwood.ca
- Life*Spin (Virtual): How to Book An Appointment: Visit www.lifespin.org
- Find addtional tax clinics: Visit the Government of Canada’s website and use their find a tax clinic tool.
Looking for software to file your taxes? Check out UFile’s free software for students to complete their taxes.
Documents to have for your tax clinic appointment (if applicable)
- Critically important documents:
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- The exact date of entry into Canada – If filing for the first time as an international student
- Two pieces of valid government ID. Examples include:
- Passport (Canadian and foreign)
- Driver’s License (can only validate Canadian licenses)
- Travel Document
- Permanent Resident Card
- Government Photo ID Card
- Certificate of Indian Status Card
- Tax-specific documents
- T4 - Income (issued by your employer)
- T4A - Scholarships and bursaries (issued by the school and your student loan source)
- T2202 - Tuition Fees (issued by the school)
- Rent receipts (issued by your landlord or rental agency)
- Medical or dental receipts (issued by your healthcare provider or your dentist)
- Receipts for charitable donations (issued by the institution you donate to if they are a registered charity)
- Itemized and detailed receipts for moving expenses (only if moving 40 kilometres or more for work or school purposes)
- You can have multiples of each, so ensure you bring them all
Important deadlines
The typical tax filing deadline is April 30. Make sure to file your taxes on time to avoid any penalties or interest.
A note for International students
International students may have different tax obligations. Ensure you understand your tax responsibilities and seek assistance if needed.
