--- title: Preparing for tax season description: Learn how to prepare your taxes, whether you are filing your taxes on your own or with a professional. image: https://blog.accesscu.ca/hubfs/Preparing%20for%20tax%20season.jpg --- #003B49 [![AccessCU\_Horizontal\_Colour\_pws-1](https://blog.accesscu.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/AccessCU_Horizontal_Colour_pws-1.png?width=199&height=50&name=AccessCU_Horizontal_Colour_pws-1.png "AccessCU_Horizontal_Colour_pws-1")](https://www.accesscu.ca/) Open main menu Close main menu [Tips & Advice](https://blog.accesscu.ca/tag/tips-advice) [Financial Literacy](https://blog.accesscu.ca/tag/financial-literacy) # Preparing for tax season ![Access Credit Union](https://blog.accesscu.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Access_LogoMark.jpg?width=45&name=Access_LogoMark.jpg) [Access Credit Union](https://blog.accesscu.ca/author/access-credit-union) [Share this blog post on Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=I+found+this+interesting+blog+post&url=https://blog.accesscu.ca/preparing-for-tax-season) [Share this blog post on Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.accesscu.ca/preparing-for-tax-season) [Share this blog post on LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.accesscu.ca/preparing-for-tax-season) ![](https://blog.accesscu.ca/hubfs/Preparing%20for%20tax%20season.jpg) Tax season can seem overwhelming, but a few simple steps early on can keep you organized, lower your stress, and help you get the most from your return. Whether you’re filing on your own or working with a professional, a bit of preparation can make the whole process smoother. Start by gathering all your key documents. This includes T4s from employment income, T5s for investment interest, self-employment incomes, and RRSP or FHSA contribution slips. Keep receipts for tax-deductible expenses such as medical costs, charitable donations, childcare services, and tuition if you or your family member is a student. If you’re renting, keep documentation related to any rental‑based credits they may qualify for, while homeowners may want to review potential eligibility for property‑related credits or rebates. It’s also useful to look into any government programs or credits that might apply to your situation. Many people qualify for supports such as caregiver benefits, property‑related tax relief, or periodic affordability measures. Because these programs can change, take a moment to review the most current information on the provincial and federal government websites before you file. Digital tools can make tax season much simpler. Through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) portal, you can securely view tax slips, check benefit payments, submit documents, and track your refund. Many certified tax software programs are widely available and easy to use, offering a convenient way to complete simple tax returns. Stay alert for scams. Fraudsters often send texts or emails pretending to be the CRA. Remember: the CRA will never demand immediate payment, ask for financial information by text, or request gift cards or cryptocurrency. By staying organized, understanding available support, and using the right tools, you can make tax season smoother and more manageable.   ## Related Articles [![A person on a laptop looking happy about their investments](https://blog.accesscu.ca/hubfs/2_TaxFreeTFSA1200x628-1.jpg)](https://blog.accesscu.ca/what-makes-a-tfsa-tax-free) [Investing](https://blog.accesscu.ca/tag/investing) [TFSA](https://blog.accesscu.ca/tag/tfsa) [Financial Literacy](https://blog.accesscu.ca/tag/financial-literacy) ### [What Makes a TFSA “Tax Free”?](https://blog.accesscu.ca/what-makes-a-tfsa-tax-free) ### Shield your investment interest earnings from tax and keep more for yourself. ![Access Credit Union](https://blog.accesscu.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Access_LogoMark.jpg?width=45&name=Access_LogoMark.jpg) [Access Credit Union](https://blog.accesscu.ca/author/access-credit-union) [Read More](https://blog.accesscu.ca/what-makes-a-tfsa-tax-free) [![A person working on his finances with a notebook and laptop.](https://blog.accesscu.ca/hubfs/6_ContributionLimit1200x628.jpg)](https://blog.accesscu.ca/how-to-determine-your-tfsa-contribution-limit) [Investing](https://blog.accesscu.ca/tag/investing) [TFSA](https://blog.accesscu.ca/tag/tfsa) [Financial Literacy](https://blog.accesscu.ca/tag/financial-literacy) ### [How to Determine Your TFSA Contribution Limit](https://blog.accesscu.ca/how-to-determine-your-tfsa-contribution-limit) ### Take full advantage of tax-sheltered growth potential. ![Access Credit Union](https://blog.accesscu.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Access_LogoMark.jpg?width=45&name=Access_LogoMark.jpg) [Access Credit Union](https://blog.accesscu.ca/author/access-credit-union) [Read More](https://blog.accesscu.ca/how-to-determine-your-tfsa-contribution-limit) #### Connect with Access Credit Union Follow Access Credit Union on social media for financial advice and news from our member community.  [![facebookwhite\_64x64](https://blog.accesscu.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/facebookwhite_64x64.png?width=45&height=45&name=facebookwhite_64x64.png)](https://www.facebook.com/AccessCreditUnion) [![linkedin](https://blog.accesscu.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/linkedin-6-64.png?width=45&name=linkedin-6-64.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/access-credit-union)[![instagramwhite\_64x64](https://blog.accesscu.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/instagramwhite_64x64.png?width=45&height=45&name=instagramwhite_64x64.png)](https://www.instagram.com/accesscreditunion/)