Tax Clinic Supporter

Position Title: Tax Clinic Supporter

Department: IGNITE Student Union

Supervisor: Coordinator, Student Wellbeing (Mental + Financial)

Locations: North Campus, Lakeshore campus and Humber Downtown

Hours: Minimum 10 hours/week between February 2027 – April 2027

Number of Positions: 25 (North/UofGH), 12 (Lakeshore), 3 (Humber Downtown)

Position Overview:

As a Tax Clinic Supporter, students will be able to apply their academic learnings by educating and guiding clients on how to complete their individual tax returns. The role is a combination of tax preparation and delivering exceptional customer service in an in-person setting. Knowledge of income tax preparation is an asset, but no formal experience is required. You must be a current Humber Polytechnic or the University of Guelph-Humber student and must be up to date with personal tax returns and any other payments owed to the Canada Revenue Agency.

Role Responsibilities:

• Prepare and file basic income tax returns for eligible clients in accordance with CRA guidelines, using the UFile tax filing software
• Facilitate income tax returns for clients either one-on-one or in a small group setting
• Explain tax-related information to clients clearly and effectively
• Monitor appointments and ensure consent forms are signed

Required Competencies:

• A prominent level of attention to detail to accurately prepare and review tax returns
• Strong numerical and mathematical skills to perform calculations accurately
• Strong communication skills and a client-centric approach, with the ability to deliver excellent customer service and address client questions or concerns with patience and professionalism
• A commitment to ethical conduct and confidentiality when handling sensitive financial information
• Maintains a clear understanding of client eligibility criteria and exercises sound judgment in recognizing cases that fall outside the clinic’s scope

Role Requirements Issued by the CRA:

• Participate in the required trainings offered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) / CVITP workshops, as well as IGNITE’s income tax training sessions
• Register as a Community Volunteer Income Tax Program Volunteer (CVITP)
• Obtain a valid police records check, unless one has already been issued within the last 3 years
• Must have filed a 2025 tax return and be up to date with all previous personal tax returns and any other payments owed to the Canada Revenue Agency
• Must be 18+ to participate
• Must have a valid Social Insurance Number which cannot expire any time during the year you participate in the clinic

Qualifications/Education:

• Must either be a current Humber Polytechnic or the University of Guelph-Humber fee paying student at the time of application and throughout the duration of the tax clinic
• Experience in the accounting or financial services field (such as tax preparation services, bookkeeping, banking/insurance or financial service centres, accounts payable/receivable, and billing centres) is considered an asset
• Previous experience preparing and filing tax returns is considered an asset, although is not required.
• It is considered an asset if candidates are enrolled in a program such as Finance, Accounting, Business Management or Financial Planning, but it is not required.

Compensation:

Supporters will receive an honorarium upon completion of their term. The honorarium will be based on the number of hours worked throughout the duration of the Tax Clinic. Eligibility for up to $600.

At the end of this opportunity, students will achieve the following:

• Exceptional customer service expertise, dealing one-on-one with diverse clients.
• Hands-on experience in income tax preparation, a crucial skill for financial and accounting roles.
• Professional communication and problem-solving skills, preparing them for real-world challenges.
• Teamwork and collaboration abilities developed through group efforts in a fast-paced environment.
• Practical financial knowledge, improving your understanding of tax systems and regulations, enhancing employability in finance-related roles.
• The opportunity to use this experience to fulfill placement requirements.
• Receive a Certificate of Appreciation, issued by the CRA.

Note on AI: IGNITE does not use AI or automated algorithms to screen or rank candidates. Every application is reviewed by our team.