Non-Resident Tax Services

M. Bourgeois Bookkeeping Services provides Canadian income tax preparation for non-resident workers employed in Atlantic Canada under the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program.

Serving Foreign Workers with Care and Expertise

Melanie’s connection with this community began with her first office job at a crab processing plant in Nova Scotia, where she worked alongside over one hundred foreign workers from Mexico. During that time, she learned about the TFW process and, a few years later, reconnected with many of these same individuals to assist them with their Canadian income tax filings.

Preparing non-resident tax returns differs significantly from filing a Canadian resident return. It requires specialized knowledge of tax rules and government procedures. Through the experience of processing more than 300 non-resident tax returns in the first few years of offering this service, Melanie discovered that many previous filings were done incorrectly—often by preparers who had little or no direct contact with the taxpayer.

Melanie takes pride in offering personalized, accurate, and transparent service, spending countless hours on the phone with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to ensure compliance and clarity for her clients. Since launching this service in 2023, she has provided ongoing support and guidance to non-resident workers, helping them understand each step of the process.

My Easy 5-Step Process:

Step 1

Submit the Eligibility Form

Complete and submit the online application form. This allows M. Bourgeois Bookkeeping Services to review your information and confirm your eligibility for tax services.

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Step 2

Complete the Information Sheet

Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a detailed information sheet via email or WhatsApp. This form requests the personal details necessary to prepare your tax return.

Step 3

Send Your Documents and Payment

Submit your completed information sheet, T4 slip, and payment. Your file will be processed only once all three have been received.

Step 4 - After we've prepared your return

Sign Your Tax Return

Your return will be prepared using professional tax software. If additional information is required, you’ll be contacted. Once your return is ready, you’ll be asked to print, sign, and return the signature page(s).

Step 5 - after we've submitted your return

Wait for Your Notice of Assessment

After all documents are signed, your complete tax package will be mailed to the CRA on your behalf. At this time, non-resident tax returns must be submitted to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) by mail and cannot be filed online.

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Where possible, I will request online access to your CRA account. This allows me to track when your return is received, monitor its progress while it is being processed, and confirm when it has been completed. M. Bourgeois Bookkeeping Services will confirm once received and assist with any follow-up questions. Once processed, you will receive your Notice of Assessment and any applicable tax refund. Processing times vary depending on the time of year. Returns can take approximately 1.5 months when submitted early in the year, and up to 6 months during busier periods. While I support all clients until the Notice of Assessment is received, please note that once your return is submitted, processing is handled entirely by the CRA and there is limited ability to speed up the process during this stage.

FAQ

Find clear answers to common questions about our services, process, and what to expect, so you can feel informed and confident every step of the way.

How long does the process take? 

Because non-resident tax returns must be mailed (they cannot be filed electronically), the process can take anywhere from 1 to 6 months after your documents have been mailed to the CRA Tax Office in Ontario. Processing time varies depending on the time of year and government workload.

Can I receive updates during the process?

Yes. I provide updates during tax season to clients who have granted me online access to view their CRA account. If online access is not available, I will contact the CRA for an update only after three months from the date your return was mailed.

How will I receive my refund?

Your Notice of Assessment and refund cheque will be mailed to the address listed on your tax return. If you are unsure where you will be when your refund is issued, you may choose to have it mailed to my business address. Once received, I will forward your cheque and documents to your current address.

Can I set up direct deposit?

Direct deposit can be set up after your first year of filing taxes in Canada. Your first refund will be issued as a cheque. For future years, direct deposit can be arranged through your Canadian bank account. Please contact me if you need assistance setting this up.

What if I don’t have a Canadian bank account?

Refund cheques are issued in Canadian dollars by default (USD can be requested when filing). The cheque must be deposited into a Canadian bank account in the name of the taxpayer. Before leaving Canada, please make sure your bank account remains open and that you can access your banking app. My responsibility is to complete your tax return and assist until your refund is issued, but I cannot deposit cheques or manage bank accounts on your behalf.

What happens if my tax return needs an adjustment?

Sometimes, the CRA may process a return incorrectly or require an adjustment. If this happens, I will file a Request for Adjustment to have your taxes reassessed correctly. This process can take several weeks or months, depending on CRA processing times, but I will continue to monitor the situation and support you until it is resolved.

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Request Services

Please take a moment to complete the intake form so we can better understand your situation and determine how we can assist you with your Canadian tax filing needs. The information you provide helps us assess your eligibility and prepare for an efficient, personalized consultation.

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