Having explored the plethora of free tax software available in Canada, let’s now focus on highlighting some of the finest options that stand out in the market. I know filing taxes is always a challenging task for many. However, in Canada, it’s a bit easier as there are a few good software to help you out.
In Canada, when it comes to filing taxes online, there are two main avenues to explore: NETFILE and EFILE.
- NETFILE serves as a certified tax software endorsed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), offering an online platform for individuals to submit their tax returns digitally, bypassing the need for traditional paper forms.
- Conversely, EFILE operates as another free tax filing software, facilitating an electronic submission process utilized by tax preparation services to transmit your income tax return information directly to the CRA.
Furthermore, there’s a 24/7 online help center readily available to provide assistance whenever needed. I am sure you are a bit confident now. So, I will tell you about the top free typing software. First, have a quick look at their names. Later, I’ll tell you the details of each one of them.
- Turbo Tax-Free
- Wealthsimple Tax
- H&R Block
- CloudTax
- uFile
- GenuTax
- AdvTax
- StudioTax
- EachTax
All of the mentioned tax software options are certified by the CRA and offer free registration for filing taxes, with some also providing paid versions. While the free versions typically cover most tax situations, it’s important to note that they may come with certain restrictions and limitations.
My recommendation is to start with the free version initially. If necessary, you can always consider upgrading to the paid version later on.
1. TurboTax Free Canada
TurboTax Free is one of the most famous and top-rated tax return software in Canada. It provides free standard, premium, and self-employed versions. The free version covers most of the basic problems and issues. You can easily use this software on mobile devices, desktops, tablets, and laptops.
I’ll tell you some plus points of using it. The software is very easy to use and you get step-by-step guidance throughout. if you want to get expert help, use the premium version. The tax experts can also do your taxes then. It also guarantees the maximum refund. However, the unpaid version has very limited offerings and can’t support all tax situations. If you can afford it I would suggest you choose the premium one, but it’s a bit expensive.
The Benefits of Using TurboTax Free Software
- NETFILE-certified.
- You can get up to 20 free returns every tax year.
- Provides auto-fill return compatibility.
- Auto-fill return directly imports your tax information from CRA.
- Provides a refund instantly and a maximum refund guarantee.
- There is a guarantee of 100% accuracy. In case of any issue arising due to automatic calculations from TurboTax, then the penalty will be refunded by them.
- After the submission of the return using NETFILE, you will instantly access your notice.
- They also provide REFILE if any adjustment is required to make on your return.
- To secure personal information, it provides TLS encryption.
- Available in Quebec.
- Provide access to a live tax expert.
The free version of TurboTax does not provide phone support with any of its tax experts, credits, income, or deductions like income or expenses from self-employment, donations, income from investments, or rental income.
2. Wealthsimple Tax
Wealthsimple Tax is previously known as SimpleTax. It is a free tax filing software for your income tax return. Recently, it started introducing free filing of crypto tax in Canada. It is certified by the CRA and Revenue Quebec to NETFILE.
It contains reporting of employment income, income from rental properties, donations, income from investments, medical expenses, etc.
If you are involved in crypto training, then this software will help you calculate any capital gains or deprivation and include it in your tax filing. You will get various types of crypto exchange from here: Wealthsimple, Crpyto, Bitbuy, NDAX, Shakepay, and 300 more. If you want to get CRA audit support, then you can upgrade it to premium.
Merits of Using Wealthsimple Tax
- Convenient to use.
- Step-by-step guidance along with 100% accuracy. In case due to software-related problems if you need to pay any interest or penalty then it will be covered by Wealthsimple tax.
- Provide a high refund. It will take a maximum of eight days to directly deposit the amount.
- It is available in all types of regions.
- Suitable for all kinds of devices.
- Get various types of tax calculators like TFSA, RRSP, and other retirement tax scenarios.
- File any type of return along with step-by-step guidance.
- Guarantee of a huge refund.
- Approved NETFILE by CRA.
- Availability of audit support
Overall, the software is good but it offers limited customer support and you will not get a tax review from any expert. So, I advise you to have proper tax knowledge if using this software.
3. H&R Block Software
Here is one more software that’s been offering tax services to Canadian people for 55 years. In Canada, more than 1000 offices are available where you can get tax services in person and drop off your documents. If you are excited to know what this software offeres. Here it is:
- Certified by NETFILE
- Maximum automatic refund
- Simple using process
- Can be accessed from online centres
- You can auto-fill my return downloads on a few of your tax slips straight from CRA and Revenue Quebec.
In some situations, if you want some kind of help and support to perform your tax return the products of assistance provide unlimited tech support. It provides the transfer list of your tax details from last year. Besides this, if you need audit protection, priority support, and capable of storing your return online for the last seven years. You also get audit protection and expert help if using the premium version.
4. CloudTax
If you are looking for free software, I would recommend you use CloudTax is free. Nimalan Balachandran created the software, which is also certified by the Canada Revenue Agency.
Offerings of CloudTax Software
- Auto-fill my return.
- Able to access the platform on web and mobile devices
- It is encrypted for data security
- Storage for online tax return
- It also provides optional audit protection of 2.99 dollars per month; from this payment, you can also get expert help
- You can get audit protection at a very minimal cost
- Certified by NETFILE
- Limitless chat support
However, if you arein Nunavut, Quebec, Yukon, and Northwest Territories, you may not use it as the software is unavailable there. Also, The free version will not have self-employed individuals or rental income
5. uFile Free
It is another free software for income tax returns used in Canada. You can directly use the software on your mobile phones, laptops, and desktops. A Windows version of the software is also available. ufile free service is offered in partnership with the Canadian Federation of Students. The software is approved by autofill and NETFILE. Moreover, it guarantees triple accuracy. The only drawback is that there is no chat support an only a limited number of people can use its free version.
Services Provided By uFile Software
- For filing of simple tax return
- An outsider who came to Canada to file their first federal tax return
- The person with less income pays taxes with a total family income of fewer than 20,000 dollars.
The minimum cost for upgrading the software is 19.95 dollars.
6. GenuTax
It is also certified software for tax services. It is only available as an installation file for Windows computers. It can control most tax scenarios. They also ask for a donation to support the company.
I like this one as it’s very useful for uncomplicated and complicated tax situations. This situation includes small business tax income for rental property.
Benefits of GenuTax Software
- From 2010, you can only file up to 20 tax returns.
- Certified by NETFILE
- Easy to use, free of cost
- Limited services for customers are available, and you can create only up to 20 tax returns via email.
However, forms like T2203 and T1135 are not supported by it. And one issue that I found is it’s only applicable to use in Windows. Also, if you are in Quebec, you may not use it as the the province doesn’t support the software.
7. AdvTax
It is a free tax software used for income tax services. You can use the software on various devices like mobile phones, laptops, tablets, etc. You can use the program in multiple languages like English, French, and Chinese. They reported that it only takes 3 to 5 minutes to submit the tax return and a maximum of up to 10 minutes for families. The software is certified by both NETFILE and EFILE. A good news for low-income individuals, they can fill it out online for free. However, according to reviews, there is only a 50% possibility of getting free filing taxes online and the interface is also outdated.
8. StudioTax
It is a free tax service provider software. New customers, newcomers, senior citizens, and persons with income can use the software. You can use it online; there is no need to download it. It is a very affordable software. I will tell you some of its features. Check this-
- Certified by CRA
- Can track refunds
- Can optimize refunds
- 20 returns per year
- Option of auto-fill my return
- The online version is not available
Both simple and complex tax situations can be handled by it. It has built-in tools like tax saving and error checking. It gives audit support.
It’s Time for Some Tips
So, these are the top 8 tax software that I told you about. If you are using any other software must keep these points in mind.
- The tax software must be certified by NETFILE
- Available in your region and hold up your language
- It is not complicated to use and is available on any kind of device.
- The version of your software must control the tax situation
- Unlimited tech support
Many people prefer hiring a tax professional. However, there is no hard and fast rule: you need a professional to file your taxes. You can solve your situation by yourself, and in case if you can’t handle a complicated situation, then you may need a tax professional. Some external benefits that tax professionals provide are tax planning, choosing the correct investment account, maximizing your welfare, etc.
Last Updated on April 13, 2024 by Pragya Chakrapani
