Even if it’s your first time filing a tax return, you probably have some idea about the process. This includes different forms you need to submit, credits you might be eligible for and common tax terminology. But what do all those numbers, letters, and acronyms mean anyway?

If you don’t know your T2202 from your T4, this post is for you. We’re breaking down the key terms you should know before you file your return this tax season. Soon you’ll fully understand tax terminology!

T2202

The T2202 is a form issued by Canadian colleges, universities, or other educational institutions that certifies that you were enrolled in a program that qualifies for the federal tuition and education credit.

On this form, you’ll find the total eligible tuition fees you paid (Box A), as well as the months you were enrolled in school either part-time (Box B) or full-time (Box C) in the tax year. You’ll need this information to:

• Claim your tuition, and education credit
• Transfer any unused tuition, and education credit amounts
• Carry forward unused tuition, and education credit amounts to a future year

If you made a charitable donation through your school last year, you might also see that amount on your T2202. If you received more than one T2202 certificate, you can claim all amounts that are more than $100. However, if you’re enrolled at various educational institutions as a full-time and part-time student with an overlap in the month of your enrollment, you are unable to claim the amounts twice. You can only claim one amount for each month, either the full-time amount or the part-time amount.

TL11A/B/C/D

Similar to the T2202, they certify your enrollment in an educational program and pay tuition. The difference is that they apply to different kinds of institutions. While the T2202 is issued by Canadian colleges, universities, and educational institutions, the TL11 forms apply to the following people:

• TL11A: for students studying at a university outside Canada
• TL11B: for students studying at a flying school or club
• TL11C: for students commuting to the United States
• TL11D: for Canadian residents studying at an educational institution outside Canada

CCB

If you’re a parent or under the age of 18, you should take note of this credit. The Canada child benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment that’s made to eligible families. It helps them with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age. The CCB might include the child disability benefit and any related provincial and territorial programs.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) uses information from your income tax and benefit return to calculate how much your CCB payments will be. To get the CCB, you have to file your return every year, even if you didn’t make any money that year. If you have a spouse or common-law partner, they also have to file a return every year.

Benefits are paid out over a 12-month period from July of one year to June of the next year. And if your information changes during the year, the CRA will recalculate your benefit the month after the change occurs.

EI

The Employment Insurance (EI) program offers temporary income to unemployed workers to support them while they look for a new job or upgrade their skills. The EI program also provides special benefits to workers who take time off due to specific life events like illness, pregnancy, or caring for a new baby. Got a seasonal job? You could also qualify for the program.

Keep in mind that you’re only eligible for EI benefits if you’ve paid premiums in the past year and meet certain conditions. Students can be eligible for EI, but you will need to declare your training and prove that you’re still able and willing to work and are continuing to look for a job to continue receiving EI benefits. The CRA has more info on how to access EI benefits while studying.

GST/HST Credit

You know that tax you pay on pretty much everything you buy? Did you know you could actually get that back? The goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit is a tax-free quarterly payment that helps individuals and families with low and modest incomes offset all or part of the GST or HST that they pay. It may also include payments from provincial programs.

You are generally eligible for this credit if you are considered a Canadian resident for income tax purposes the month before, and at the beginning of the month, in which the Canada Revenue Agency makes a payment. It’s also necessary to meet one of the following criteria:

• be at least 19 years old
• you have (or had) a spouse or common-law partner
• you are (or were) a parent and live (or lived) with your child

By qualifying, you can receive up to $433 if you’re single, $568 if you’re married or living common-law and $149 for each child under the age of 19. See? Understanding tax terminology can pay off!

T4

If you’ve heard of at least one thing on this list, it’s probably this form. The T4, also known as the Statement of Remuneration Paid, is an information slip that shows how much money you earned and how much was withheld and remitted to the CRA.

Generally, most taxable income, allowances, benefits, deductions, and pension plan contributions are on the form. While some forms have minimal boxes completed, others can be loaded with information. Box 14 (Line 101) is probably the most important section as it outlines your employment income. This includes your salary, wages, commissions, bonuses, vacation pay, and a slew of other items. You can find a comprehensive overview of the T4 form on the CRA website.

So, now we’ve broken down tax terminology. You know the most important tax forms, credits, and benefits and what they mean. What should you do with that information? Well, you could download some tax software and get cracking, or you could let a professional handle it. As a student, you can file with H&R Block for just $39.99, plus a filing fee. Knowledge is power and when you add H&R Block’s Tax Experts into the mix, you’ll get your tax return filed in no time.

Aren’t you happy you learned all of this tax terminology?