Central Library - Tax Clinic Cancellation
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the free drop-in tax preparation service clinic on Saturday, April 8 has been cancelled. Please visit hpl.ca/free-tax-service for other clinic dates. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Phishing Statement
Please be aware of online phishing attempts impersonating Hamilton Public Library and Library Staff. HPL does not solicit paid freelance opportunities through social media or other messaging applications. HPL does not request personal or banking information through social media or require financial compensation when reviewing job applications. Please report phishing schemes to communications@hpl.ca. If you think you are a victim of fraud, please call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
Wi-Fi Unavailable at Red Hill Branch
The Wi-Fi is not working at the Red Hill Branch. Staff is working diligently to resolve the problem.
Barton Branch Makerspace
The iMac at the Barton Branch Makerspace is currently unavailable. We are working to resolve this issue.
Free Tax Return Filing Services
Tax season is upon us. To help make the task of filing your return easier, trained volunteers from the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program offer free drop-in tax clinics for eligible individuals and families with modest income (see the chart below) at select Hamilton Public Library branches. Clinics run in March and April to meet the April 30 filing deadline. Available dates, times and locations are listed at hpl.ca/events
This year all clinics are in person. There is no drop-off service.
Important: Canada Housing Benefit
The one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit aims to help low-income renters with the cost of renting. You may be eligible for a tax-free one-time payment of $500 if your income and the amount you pay on rent qualify. Applications are open until March 31, 2023. Eligibility is based on the amount of rent you paid and maximum income of $20,000 for individuals. You do not have to file this year’s tax return to apply for this.
Visit canada.ca to apply through your Canada Revenue Agency account or apply online or by phone.
Modest Income Explained
Family Size
1 Person
2 People
3 People
4 People
5 People
More Than 5 People
Total Family Income
$35,000
$45,000
$47,500
$50,000
$52,500
$52,500+$2,500 per each additional person
These free tax services are not for individuals who are/have:
- Self-employed
- Business or rental income and expenses
- Capital gains or losses
- Employment expenses
- Interest income greater than $1,000
- Filed for bankruptcy or are deceased
This free tax filing service is a partnership with Hamilton Public Library, CPA Ontario, Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, McMaster University and Canada Revenue Agency.
