Articles
Comparison of Tax Software Programs
First Posted: March 16, 2009
By Kate Musgrove
It's just about tax time and there's no lack of do-it-yourself options for filing your taxes. We've compared a good number of tax preparation products below. Some are free, some can handle provincial returns for Quebec, and some aren't equipped to deal with self-employment income. There is definitely something for everyone here.
If you're not sure which product you'd like to go with, keep in mind that many offer the option to pay only upon submitting your return so you can play around, run your numbers, and see what you think of the product (and even how your refund works out) before settling on one.
This year, like every year, filing your return online via NETFILE instead of mailing it in will get you a faster refund. And of course, the sooner you file the quicker you'll get your tax return.
| Product |
Price |
Number of Returns |
Platform |
Free for Students |
Pay Only Upon Submission of Return |
Can Use With CRA Netfile |
Business Expenses / Self-Employment Income |
Provincial Returns for Quebec |
Notes |
| Cute Tax (Tax Chopper Online) |
1 return: $9.98
2 returns: $15.98
3-5 returns: $19.98
6-15 returns: $25.98 |
Web |
|
 |
|
|
|
Free for users with < 25K in income or < 30K income for married/common-law couples |
| GenuTax |
$34.99; free trial available |
20 per year |
Windows |
|
|
|
|
|
Multiyear software; free annual tax updates allow use of product in future years |
| H&R Block Online |
1 return: $15.95
2 return: addt'l $10
addt'l family member returns: free |
Web |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| H&R Block Tax Software |
$39.99 |
16 |
Windows (requires web) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| QuickTax Basic |
$19.99 |
8 |
Windows (requires web) |
|
|
|
|
|
For simple returns not including RRSPs, stocks, or mutual funds |
| QuickTax Business |
$39.99 |
1 |
Web |
|
|
|
|
|
For sole proprietors, consultants or contractors |
| QuickTax Free Online Edition |
FREE |
20 |
Web |
|
|
|
|
|
For simple returns -- does not maximize deductions |
| QuickTax Platinum |
$69.99 |
8 |
Windows (requires web) |
|
|
|
|
|
For financial portfolios including stocks, bonds, mutual funds and rental properties |
| QuickTax Platinum Online |
$29.99 |
1 |
Web |
|
|
|
|
|
For financial portfolios including stocks, bonds, mutual funds and rental properties |
| QuickTax Standard Edition |
$39.99 |
8 |
Windows (requires web) |
|
|
|
|
|
Handles RRSPs, medical expense deductions and more |
| QuickTax Standard Online Edition |
$14.99 |
1 |
Web |
|
|
|
|
|
Handles RRSPs, medical expense deductions and more |
| QuickTax Student Online Edition |
FREE |
20 |
Web |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| StudioTax |
FREE |
20 |
Windows |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Taxnic.ca |
First return: $6.99
2-3 returns: $5.00 each
any addt'l returns: free |
Web or Windows |
|
|
|
|
|
Free for users with < 20K income or < 25K for married/common-law couples |
| Ufile.ca |
$15.95 |
1 |
Web |
|
|
|
|
|
Free for users with < 20K income |
| Ufile.ca |
$19.99 |
8 |
Windows |
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are a lot of great programs here -- for simple returns we like the free programs from QuickTax programs and StudioTax. QuickTax gets a nod for its ability to do provincial returns for Quebec but StudioTax is consistently well-reviewed for ease of use. Obviously they may not work for every return and more complicated finances will require a more robust program. If you're thinking long-term you may want to purchase GenuTax -- pay once and you'll be able to use it for free in the years to come.
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