As income tax season is underway, Toronto Public Library (TPL) is reminding residents that its free Financial Empowerment Service offers tax preparation and financial counselling services to individuals and families with low income – with support available not just during tax season, but year-round at select branches across the city.
Developed in partnership with Prosper Canada, the Financial Empowerment Service has helped residents access more than $5.3 million in tax refunds and government benefits since launching in 2022. The service aims to help Toronto residents improve their financial health and well-being in welcoming, trusted public spaces.
Trained staff from North York Community House and WoodGreen Community Services are available at participating branches to help residents with a range of financial needs, including income tax preparation and filing, accessing government benefits and credits, budgeting on a limited income, building savings, managing credit and debt, and making informed financial decisions.
"For many Toronto residents, especially newcomers and families stretching tight budgets, tax season is a source of real stress. Our Financial Empowerment Service meets people in welcoming library spaces, with free, confidential support that doesn't end when tax season does,” said Aly Velji, Senior Manager, Adult Services, Toronto Public Library. “Whether it's filing a return, understanding a benefit, or planning for the future, we want residents to know this help is here for them all year long."
How to access TPL’s Financial Empowerment Service
Services are available at Cedarbrae, Downsview, Riverdale and Thorncliffe Park branches, with Thorncliffe Park also serving Flemingdon Park clients while that branch undergoes renovation.
Appointments can be scheduled by calling individual library branch locations, speaking with library staff in person, or booking online at tpl.ca/financial-empowerment.
The service is designed for individuals and families with low income – trained staff work with each client to understand their circumstances and connect them with the right support or referral based on their needs. All services are provided free of charge and in a confidential, judgment-free environment.
“Bringing Financial Empowerment services into Toronto Public Library branches has been a gamechanger for our community. During tax season, filing a return unlocks critical income and benefits - and through ongoing support with budgeting, debt, and financial stability, we help residents increase their income, stabilize housing, and reduce isolation,” said Ansley Dawson, Senior Manager, Financial Empowerment at WoodGreen Community Services. “This partnership is strengthening individual financial wellbeing and resilience while creating lasting change across the communities we serve.”
Impact during tax season and beyond
Since first launching at two library branches (Downsview and Riverdale) in 2022, TPL’s Financial Empowerment Service has:
- conducted 3,500+ one-on-one sessions;
- helped residents access over $5.3 million through processing approximately 5,000 income tax returns and benefits applications including GST/HST tax credit, Ontario Trillium Benefit and the Canada Child Benefit.
Clients who have been in Canada for three years or less have also turned to the Financial Empowerment Service for guidance, highlighting the service's role in supporting newcomers as they navigate and establish financial footing in Toronto.
Based on the success of the initial pilot, the program expanded to five library branches in July 2025, with an additional expansion planned for the spring 2026.
This initiative is made possible by donations to the Toronto Public Library Foundation.
Generously supported by Bank of America, Burgundy Legacy Foundation, CIBC Foundation, Osmington Inc., Power Corporation of Canada, and WJ Properties.
About Toronto Public Library
Toronto Public Library is a gathering place for people and ideas, with 100 branches citywide and rich online services. More than 80% of Torontonians use their library, finding space to read, learn, create and connect in their communities. From literacy and skills development to technology access and cultural experiences, we're here to help all Torontonians thrive. To learn more, visit tpl.ca.