How do I know if I am eligible for your service?

You are eligible if you are on social assistance, have a low or modest income or no income at all.

Taxes

 Can anyone use your tax services?

All people living within the St Christopher House catchment area (Bloor Street to  the Lakeshore, Roncesvalles St. to Bathurst St.) are eligible for our service, if  their annual income is less than the following:
     Single person                                         $25,000
     Couple or single parent with one child       $30,000
     each additional child add                          $2,000

 I have no filed taxes for several years. Can you help me?

Yes, provided you are eligible for our service.

 I do not have my forms (T- 4s, T- 5s etc.). Can you still help me?

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) should have a copy of all your forms. You need to get a  copy of those before we can help you. Call them at 1-800-959-8281 or visit the CRA   office at 1 Front Street, Toronto.

 Do you file taxes online or manually?

We prepsre tax returns on computer on a software supplied by CRA. From March to September we can  transmit the current income tax returns online. During the rest of the year and for tax returns for previous years, the tax returns have to be mailed to Revenue Canada.

 Do you charge anything for your services?

All our services are free.

The last date for filing my return has passed.  Can you help me?

We can file your taxes anytime during the year. However,  there may be interest costs and penalties if you owe any money to the government. 

 Do you also help self employed persons?

Completing a return for a self-employed person can be complicated and can lead to the tax preparer giving advice.  But we cannot give financial advice.  So, we have to decide on an individual basis whether we can or cannot do your return if you are self-employed.

Debts

I have $xxxxx in credit card debts. Can you help me?

If you are in debt we can review your options with you and help you make an informed decision about your next steps.  However, we may refer you to the Credit Counselling Service in Toronto at 416 228 3328 for free counseling in person or by telephone 24 hours a day, 7days a week.  If you are calling from outside Toronto, the toll free number is 1-800-267-2272.

I am a new immigrant and do not have any credit history. Can you help me to get a credit card?

We can explore how you might be able to get a credit card at the earliest. A first step could be to create a credit history with the help of a secured credit card or cards from retail stores.

 Can you get me a loan?

No. But we can discuss your options and assist you in making an informed decision.

 I am on OW and I have a debt.  Credit Counseling has told me to contact you.  What can you do for me?

We can review your options with you and help you make a plan of action.

 Can you help me file for bankruptcy?

Only a licensed Trustee in Bankruptcy can help you to file for bankruptcy.
You should contact the Credit Counselling Service at 416 228 3328 for free counseling in person or by telephone 24 hours a day, 7days a week.  If you are calling from outside Toronto, the toll free number is 1-800-267-2272.

 Can you talk to and negotiate a reduction in my loan with my creditors?

You should contact the Credit Counselling Service at 416 228 3328 for free counseling in person or by telephone 24 hours a day, 7days a week.  If you are calling from outside Toronto, the toll free number is 1-800-267-2272.

 Can you make a consumer proposal for me?

Only a licensed Trustee in Bankruptcy can make a legally binding Consumer Proposal on your behalf.

You should contact the Credit Counselling Service at 416 228 3328 for free counseling in person or by telephone 24 hours a day, 7days a week.  If you are calling from outside Toronto, the toll free number is 1-800-267-2272.

Banking

 ·I want to open an account but I’ve had problems with banks before.  Can you come with me to the bank?

We would be happy to walk with you to the bank and help you open an account.

 ·What ID do I need to open an account?

The Canadian Bankers Association explains what you need on their website. Briefly, to open an account you only need two pieces of identification from the CBA list, you don’t need photo ID and you don’t need to make an initial deposit.

 ·I lost my ID. How can you help me open a bank account?

You should contact Street Health at 416 921 8668 for assistance in replacing your ID.

 ·What sort of account should I have? Can you help me choose?

It depends upon your personal banking needs. We would be happy to help you make an informed decision about choosing an account.

Budgeting and Money Management

I am unable to live off on the little money I get from Social Assistance. How can you help me?

We could help you to make a realistic budget and live with the resources available to you.

Can you get me more money?

We can assist you in getting all that you are entitled to.

I am on ODSP and suffer from …….. Can you manage my money for me?

We can not enter into a trustee relationship with you. We can provide you with information about agencies that might be able to manage your money for you.

Do you offer any training course on budgeting and money management?

We deliver financial literacy workshops when requested by other non-profit agencies.  Budgeting and money management is one of the subjects we cover in these workshops.

I have received a little inheritance. Can you tell me where to invest my money?

We can discuss your options with you. But we do not offer formal investment advice.