Comparison of Tax Software Programs
By Krissy Morley • Page 1 of 1
Last Updated: October 24, 2011
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 |
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| GenuTax | $39.99; free trial available | 20 per year | Windows |  |
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Multiyear software; free annual tax updates allow use of product in future years | ||
| H&R Block Online | 1 return: $15.95 2 returns: addt'l $10 addt'l family member returns: free |
Web | |
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| H&R Block Tax Software | $34.99 | 16 | Windows (requires web) | |
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| StudioTax | FREE | 20 | Windows | |
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| Tax Chopper | 1 return: $9.98 2 returns: $15.98 3-5 returns: $19.98 6-15 returns: $25.98 |
Web | |
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Free for users with < 25K in income or < 30K income for married/common-law couples | |||
| Taxnic.ca | 1 return: $8.99 2 returns: $13.99each 3-20 returns: $18.99 |
Web or Windows | |
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Free for users with < 20K income or < 25K for married/common-law couples | ||
| TurboTax Basic | $19.99 | 8 | Windows (requires web) | |
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For simple returns not including RRSPs, stocks, or mutual funds | ||
| TurboTax Home & Business | $99.99 | 12 | Web | |
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For small business owners, sole proprietors, consultants or contractors | |
| TurboTax Free Online Edition | FREE | 1 | Web | |
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For simple returns -- does not maximize deductions | |
| TurboTax Premier | $69.99 | 12 | Windows (requires web) | |
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For financial portfolios including stocks, bonds, mutual funds and rental properties | ||
| TurboTax Platinum Online | $29.99 | 1 | Web | |
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For financial portfolios including stocks, bonds, mutual funds and rental properties | |
| TurboTax Standard Edition | $39.99 | 8 | Windows (requires web) | |
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Handles RRSPs, medical expense deductions, donations and more | ||
| TurboTax Standard Online Edition | $16.99 | 1 | Web | |
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Handles RRSPs, medical expense deductions, donations and more |
| TurboTax Student Online Edition | FREE | 1 | Web | |
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| UFile.ca | $15.95 | 1 | Web | |
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Free for users with < 20K income. |
| UFile Standard for Windows | $29.99 | 8 | Windows | |
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There are a lot of great programs here -- for simple returns we like the free programs from TurboTax (previously known as QuickTax) and StudioTax. New this year, StudioTax is able to process Quebec returns. And we can't help but notice that TurboTax has 234 five-star reviews! Obviously, more complicated financial situations 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.