ARRIVAL LOUNGE
FROM SCHOOL BOOKS TO TAX FILES
Sweta Goyal handles both Canadian and US tax filings, manages a team of over 12 during tax season, and teaches US tax courses.
By SHIPRA CHAUDHURY
Some stories start with the dream of becoming doctors or engineers, but Sweta Goyal’s journey had its own unique twist – from tutoring students in embroidery and painting to managing a thriving tax office in Toronto.
Born in the picturesque city of Dehradun, India, Goyal didn’t set out to become a teacher, despite completing a Nursery Teacher Training (NTT) course alongside her bachelor’s degree. “NTT was more for an extra qualification,” she says, smiling. “But I was always teaching something, whether it was academics, painting, or embroidery. I started tutoring after Grade 12.”
Goyal earned a merit seat at Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Technology and Science (SGRRITS), Dehradun, where she pursued her MBA. Life, however, threw a delightful curveball during her fourth semester – marriage! But this didn’t slow her down; she returned to complete her final semester and immediately plunged into her first job as assistant to the chairman of a newly-founded educational society in Delhi. “I was their first employee,” she recalls. “I literally did everything – from managing finances and HR to handling admissions. It was a tremendous learning experience.”
And just like that, Goyal found herself helping launch a school from scratch!
Life took another turn when she welcomed the birth of her two daughters, Anoushka and Anwesha. This taught her to balance work and parenting, to focus more on her growing family. By 2015, her husband, Nitin Goyal, received a transfer to Canada, and the family made the big move to Toronto.
“Moving to Canada was both exciting and daunting,” Goyal admits. “Back home, there’s this beautiful warmth among friends – you can drop by anyone’s house unannounced and feel welcome. Here, it’s different. Making friends has been a challenge, but I love that people here don’t judge you.”
Despite feeling lonely in her early days, her determination didn’t waver. With a strong finance background but no local work experience or references, she decided to enroll in a basic tax preparation course offered by a leading tax company.
“It was a way to break into the job market,” she explains. Her hard work paid off. Year after year, she updated her knowledge in Canadian taxation, and eventually, she was selected for an advanced US tax course – an opportunity reserved for top-performing professionals.
Goyal now handles both Canadian and US tax filings, manages a team of over 12 during tax season, and even teaches US tax courses.
So, what’s the big difference between the two systems?
“Canada taxes you based on residency,” Goyal explains, “while the US taxes you based on status. If you’re a US citizen, you need to file taxes no matter where you live in the world. In Canada, you file only if you reside here or have Canadian income.”
Asked if Canadian taxes are higher than US taxes, she explains, “The taxes in Canada are higher than in the US depending on various factors, including income level, the type of taxes considered, and the benefits received in return. Generally, Canada has higher income tax rates, especially for higher earners, but offers more extensive social services.”
With years of success under her belt, Goyal isn’t resting on her laurels. “There’s still so much to learn,” she says enthusiastically. “I want to keep growing my knowledge and expertise in taxation.”
Her heartfelt advice for newcomers: “Don’t forget your roots, values, and beliefs. Our culture is rich, and we should preserve it.”
From managing crayons and kids to crunching numbers and navigating complex tax codes, Goyal’s journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the unbreakable ‘desi spirit’. Whether it’s teaching ABCs or filing T4s and W-2s, Goyal continues to inspire with her wit, warmth, and unwavering determination. Her story is a perfect example of how blending cultural heritage with adaptability can lead to incredible personal and professional growth.
• If you’d like to share the story of your arrival in Canada, please write to desinews@rogers.com or call 416-695-4357.