Consulting on Personal Income Tax
A taxpayer is at the local tax office seeking clarification on their annual income tax filing, asking about deductions, eligible expenses, and online submission procedures.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
deductions
Amounts you can subtract from your income to lower your taxes, like medical costs or donations. In tax contexts, say 'What deductions can I claim?' to ask about them.
eligible expenses
Costs that qualify for tax benefits or refunds. Use this in government services to check what you can get money back for, like 'Are my travel costs eligible expenses?'
self-employed
Working for yourself, not for a company. Common in business talks; contrast with 'employed' when discussing income sources.
T4 slip
A Canadian tax form from employers showing your yearly salary and taxes paid. In tax offices, mention it to explain your employment status.
charitable donations
Money or items given to charities, which can reduce your taxes. Useful in conversations about tax savings; keep receipts for proof.
home office expenses
Costs like rent or utilities for a workspace at home, deductible if you meet rules. Ask about criteria in remote work tax discussions.
online submission
Sending documents or forms electronically via the internet. In government services, it's faster and easier; say 'How do I do online submission?'
certified tax software
Approved computer programs for filing taxes accurately. Use government-approved ones to avoid errors; check for the certification label.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
I'm here to ask a few questions about my annual income tax filing.
This politely starts a consultation. Use it in offices to state your purpose clearly. 'Annual' means yearly; 'filing' refers to submitting tax forms. It's useful for formal inquiries.
Are you self-employed or do you receive a T4 slip from an employer?
A yes/no question to gather information. 'Or' connects alternatives; use in service roles to clarify client status. Helpful for tailoring advice in tax or job talks.
I'm wondering if there are any common deductions many people miss.
Expresses curiosity politely with 'I'm wondering if.' 'Common' means frequent; useful when seeking overlooked tips. Grammar: present continuous for ongoing thought.
Common deductions people often overlook include public transit passes, interest paid on student loans, and professional membership dues.
Lists examples with 'include' and commas. 'Overlook' means ignore by mistake. Use this structure to explain options clearly in advice-giving situations.
What about submitting the return online? Is it straightforward and are there any particular documents I need to have ready beforehand?
Two questions in one turn for efficiency. 'What about' shifts topics; 'straightforward' means simple. Useful for checking processes; 'beforehand' means in advance.
Online submission is very user-friendly. You'll need your T4, any other income slips like T4A or T5, and receipts for all your deductions and credits.
Gives reassurance and requirements. 'User-friendly' means easy to use; future 'you'll need' for advice. List with 'and' for items; practical for guiding procedures.
Not necessarily. Most certified software handles investment income quite well.
Softens a response with 'not necessarily' (not always true). 'Handles' means manages; useful to reassure in consultations. 'Quite well' means effectively.
Thank you for your clear explanations. This was very helpful.
Polite closing with gratitude. 'Clear' praises understanding; use at end of helpful talks. Simple past 'was' for completed service; builds good relations.