Tax season is here, and Mississauga Library is widening its free help for residents who need a hand filing. The library's volunteer-run income tax clinics are expanding this year to two more branches, Clarkson Library and Cooksville Library.

The library says it helps hundreds of residents each year get their returns in on time, so they can collect the benefit payments, tax credits and Old Age Security pensions they qualify for.

Who can use the clinics

The clinics are for residents 18 and older who have a modest income and a simple tax return. Returns are prepared by trained volunteers with the Halton-Peel Association of Chartered Professional Accountants Ontario, through the Canada Revenue Agency's Community Volunteer Income Tax Program.

Seven library branches are taking part. Appointments can be booked online at mississaugalibrary.ca/taxes, by phone, or in person at a participating branch. The deadline to file 2025 personal income tax returns is Thursday, April 30.

Free workshops with the CRA

For those who would rather learn to do it themselves, the library is also hosting free workshops led by CRA staff. Sessions cover how to complete a return, which benefits and credits you may be eligible for, and how to spot tax scams. In-person sessions are drop-in and first-come, first-served; the online session needs advance registration.

  • Tax Basics for Newcomers: Thursday, Feb. 26, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Hazel McCallion Central Library (ages 13 and up)

  • Doing Your Taxes: Wednesday, March 11, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Sheridan Library

  • Tax Basics for Retirees: Wednesday, March 18, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Clarkson Library (ages 55 and up)

  • Doing Your Taxes (online): Tuesday, March 24, 2 to 3:30 p.m., registration required

  • Tax Basics for Retirees: Thursday, April 2, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Lorne Park Library (ages 55 and up)

The Doing Your Taxes sessions are aimed at first-time filers and anyone who wants a refresher, and walk through gathering documents and completing a return.

Part of a wider push

The library describes the tax program as one way it supports vulnerable residents, alongside a range of other free programs listed at mississaugalibrary.ca/programs.