McMaster is now home to the largest tax volunteer program in Canada, thanks to a student initiative that has processed millions in tax returns for students, alumni and low-income community members in Hamilton.
Since its launch, the Tax Squad, which was initiated by the Student Success Centre's Mac's Money Centre in collaboration with Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, has secured significant refunds.
Student volunteers from the Tax Squad, a program that offers free tax services for McMaster students and eligible Hamilton/surrounding area community members. (Photo by Abdo Habbani/McMaster University)
In most cases, students receive various tax benefits, upwards of $2,000, which can be used for other expenses. In 2024, the Tax Squad filed 2,100 returns, resulting in more than $5 million in benefits.
"We know that filing income taxes can be stressful for students," says Andrijana Olaizola, Director of Finance & Administration (Student Affairs) and Hamilton Regional Tax Coordinator. "Through this program, we give students the support they need. McMaster, as a host organization through the federal government's Community Volunteer Income Tax Program can extend that free and accessible support to members of our community that are in need as well."
Student volunteers receive professional training and mentorship from certified public accountants (CPAs) to assist with processing tax returns for those seeking assistance.
For clients of organizations like Good Shepherd Women's Services in Hamilton, the program provides more than just tax support it changes lives.
"Access to these tax benefits can be life-changing for some participants. It could mean they can secure a new apartment, purchase items for their home and activities for their children," says Paula M.P., Wellness Facilitator at Community Support Services for Women & Children.
In recent years, strategic alignment funding through the Office of the Provost has enabled Mac's Money Centre to expand its services, providing more appointments, events, and workshops to meet student demand.
As of 2024, Tax Squad has grown to include 120+ student volunteers who come from a variety of academic disciplines across McMaster faculties. In addition to supporting their peers and the broader community, the hands-on experience helps students develop lifelong skills.
"The program not only enriches students' financial literacy and practical skills, it also fosters a sense of community engagement and responsibility, enhancing their overall financial well-being and academic success," says Gisela Oliveira, Associate Director (Career Development, Global Mobility and International Student Success).
Volunteers in the program have also felt deep fulfillment in seeing their work positively impact the lives of others.
For student volunteer Jordan Papadopoulos, the experience has been both rewarding and motivating: "I'm privileged to assist our Hamilton community members file their tax returns, especially because many of them can receive the refundable tax credits and balance refunds that are rightfully owed to them."
Tax Squad volunteers come from diverse fields of study, and many report how the program has given them insight into new career possibilities.
"Although my background at McMaster is within the sciences, engaging with taxes opened up a new field of opportunities that I'm deeply grateful for," says Tax Squad member Gaithtry Rameswaran, a student in the iBioMed program.
"As an accounting student aspiring to become a CPA, it is a privilege to be part of this professional environment where I can directly engage with seasoned CPAs, says volunteer Joey Zhuo. "This role has not only allowed me to deepen my understanding of taxation but also to actively apply and refine fundamental skills and knowledge in this field."
Applications for students to join the 2025 Tax Squad volunteer cohort are open until Dec. 9, 2024
Celebrating 10 years of empowering thousands of students through financial literacy
Mac's Money Centre staff celebrate ten years of providing students with financial wellbeing resources. (Clockwise from top left) Andrijana Olaizola, Declan Sweeney, Gina Robinson and Terry Bennett; Mac's Money Centre coaches Robinson and Bennett cut a celebratory cake; Olaizola, Associate Vice-President (Students and Learning) & Dean of Students Sean Van Koughnett, Robinson and Bennett.
The Tax Squad is just one of the services offered by Mac's Money Centre, which recently marked a decade of addressing one of the top student stressors finances with essential resources, support and experiential learning opportunities.
What began as a collaboration between the Student Success Centre, McMaster Students Union, Student Financial Aid and Scholarships, and Student Accounts has become a central place for students to access financial education and guidance.
Over the past 10 years, Mac's Money Centre has empowered thousands of students to manage their finances, reduce stress, and build lasting skills for their personal and professional lives.
John MacIntyre, who served as the VP Administration for the McMaster Students Union at its inception, reflects on the importance of this initiative: "Though it may seem obvious how beneficial these services are to those who are accessing them, most universities did not have anything like this at the time. Yet, financial literacy is one of the more important skills that will serve students in their personal and professional life."
But it's not just about the numbers and dollar signs Mac's Money Centre's targeted programs, events, and one-on-one support help show students that the university cares about them and the challenges they're facing.
"I'm really proud to be a Mac grad for so many reasons, but the one that stands out to me is how student-focused McMaster is. The Mac's Money Centre exists solely to help students. It makes me happy to know the MSU partnership with the university from years ago helped make this a reality to continue doing just that."
Students who are feeling seeking advice about finances can always reach out to Mac's Money Centre via money@mcmaster.ca.
