Supported Self-Filing FAQs

• What is Supported Self-Filing?

  Supported self-filing tax preparation is a program to assist people, who have simple tax situations and modest incomes, to prepare and file their own tax return. This is a free service for those who want to learn how to do their own taxes.  A tax expert will be on hand during the workshops to answer questions on how to file your tax return. 

• Am I eligible for the Supported Self-Filing Tax Workshops?

  To be eligible to participate in one of our Supported Self-Filing Tax Workshops you must:

  • have a simple tax situation
  • be comfortable using a mouse and computer
  • have an email address that you know the password to and can access your email account
  • have a cell phone

• I have income tax returns from prior years (2023, 2022, 2021, etc.), can you help me file these income tax returns?

  The Supported Self-Filing Tax Workshops are for the current tax year only. The free software used during the workshops can also be used by clients outside of the workshop to file their income tax returns from prior years. 

  Please scroll to the bottom of pickeringlibrary.ca/taxes to find a list of Tax Clinics in the Durham Region that may be able to help you file previous tax years. 

• What is a simple tax situation?

  A tax situation is considered simple if an individual has no income or if their income comes from:

  • Employment
  • Pension
  • Benefits such as Canada Pension Plan, Disability, Canada Child Benefit, Employment Insurance or Ontario Works
  • RRSP
  • Support payments
  • Scholarships, fellowships, bursaries or grants
  • Interest (under $1,000)

• When is a tax situation not simple?

  A tax situation is not simple when an individual:

  • Is self-employed or has employment expenses
  • Has business or rental income and expenses
  • Has capital gains or losses
  • Files for bankruptcy
  • Is completing a tax return for a deceased person