[Merged] StudioTax 2008 - FREE tax preparation software

[SillySusie]

StudioTax Canadian Personal Income Tax Software (http://www.studiotax.com/)

See the thread in the Personal Finance forum:Studio Tax 2008 Available (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=683109)

>> EDIT: The fully CRA certified version is up now. Grab it. <<

Note that at the time of posting, it's the pre-certified version, you will need to download the certified version later before submitting your taxes online.

[MrBurns]

Yep, great software, i've been using it since 2005. Just downloaded mine this morning.

[ellemea]

thanks, downloaded

[toolman11]

"Please note that the Quebec provincial tax is not yet supported. This does not prevent you from using Netfile to file your federal tax."

Canada does not like us Québécois people so, I have to dish out $40 for Quicktax!!

[MrBurns]

Canada does not like us Québécois people so, I have to dish out $40 for Quicktax!!

It's the other way around, mon ami.

[sportmiester]

Nice - thank you

[xpat]

++ great software!

[mxz700]

thanks, downloaded

[dealsssss]

"Please note that the Quebec provincial tax is not yet supported. This does not prevent you from using Netfile to file your federal tax."

Canada does not like us Québécois people so, I have to dish out $40 for Quicktax!!

No, he is right, we don't like Québécois people. Besides they don't want to be a part of Canada so why should we include them in software to do taxes for Canada...

[myversa]

I used it for my last 3 tax returns.

Thank you.

[Stoneman]

This is flippin' SWEET.
:D

[mystery]

Thanks OP! Great find!

[Acrossenger]

Ufile.ca is also free for pepole making less than 15K or so.

[Teletran]

Thank you for this useful post. I had not previously heard of studio tax.

I downloaded Studio Tax 2007 and filled out the wizard and compared the results to the results of a tax return I filed last year using UFile. The results were identical.

Thanks!

[huangpu]

Thanks OP, I will try it this year!

[icemiko]

when is the certified version going to come out?

[MrBurns]

when is the certified version going to come out?
Usually mid February. It's the same software, all it does is allow you to print it out and netfile. The pre-certified version's printout will have the word DRAFT written across it.

[coleworld]

Is it worth downloading this version before the certified copy comes?

i.e. can you start inputting data into this version and easily transfer it to the certified version when its ready?

Also... is this Mac compatible? Can't find anything on the site that confirms....

[MrBurns]

Is it worth downloading this version before the certified copy comes?
Yes
i.e. can you start inputting data into this version and easily transfer it to the certified version when its ready?
Yes. You update the program when it's certified and keep your data.
Also... is this Mac compatible? Can't find anything on the site that confirms....
I don't think so. I think only TaxTron (http://www.taxtron.ca/e/r/mac/) and TaxFreeway (http://www.taxfreeway.ca/mac/) are Mac compatible.

[James P]

Thanks OP! Used it last year and it worked like a charm.:D

[parry]

Can we import from last year's Quicktax?

[jerryhung]

Can we import from last year's Quicktax?

AFAIK, StudioTax only imports previous StudioTax files
definitely not QuickTax

[goodbargain]

Thanks. It is a good program.

[molala]

I tried downloading it with IE and it didn't work. I successfullt downloaded with Firefox but can't install it. :confused: Gotta try it again tomorrow~

[kneevase]

"Please note that the Quebec provincial tax is not yet supported. This does not prevent you from using Netfile to file your federal tax."

Canada does not like us Québécois people so, I have to dish out $40 for Quicktax!!


Instead of bellyaching about that on RFD, why don't you send an e-mail to your MNA and the premier to thank them for setting up a drastically different provincial income tax system for which nobody wants to take the time to write free software?

On a le droit d'être différent....mais ça nous coute cher!

[AmberMoon]

Ty op

[oahu]

Thanks op. Will give it a try

[orriel]

Is it free to netfile using this program?

[mcceng]

Thanks OP.

[login]

It's the other way around, mon ami.

yea that's right, every single quebecer hates Canada

[Tha DraGun]

I always use QuickTax every year. This any better?

[Barry]

Very good.. Have used it for the last 4 years.

Free for netfile.. and will give you the same result as Quicktax (try both).

[Crajy_B]

I seriously can not believe my eyes!

Freeware tax program... so sweet! Thanx OP!

So to confirm, NETFILE is 100% free with this program? Anybody done a NETFILE with this program??

[Pavel]

I always use QuickTax every year. This any better?
It's not any better, imo. It's free though and not as idiot proof like Quicktax.

[masalma]

sweet, thanx op, and if i don't want to netfile, can i just print and mail? say for last years tax, i noticed they had last years available to download.

I know i know i am horrible.

[MrBurns]

Is it free to netfile using this program?

Absolutely.

[MrBurns]

sweet, thanx op, and if i don't want to netfile, can i just print and mail? say for last years tax, i noticed they had last years available to download.

Yes you can print it out, that's what I do.
You can download software from as far back as 2005 I think.

[Mei Yee]

Thanks

[MasterAvatar]

How do they make money from this if they give it away for free?

[Gee]

They ask for donations.

[Brrr]

It's not any better, imo. It's free though and not as idiot proof like Quicktax.

I agree. Free is always good! But it doesn't walk you through the steps in the same way QT does, asking you questions like "do you have any..." I tried it last year, and ended going back to QT just 'cuz I'm lazy and want the program to do all the thinking for me. IIRC, you still need to fill out all the calculation work sheets and supplemental forms.

It does have all the forms necessary for filing your tax. Think of it as electronic copies of all the paper tax forms.

[tlamm]

I agree. Free is always good! But it doesn't walk you through the steps in the same way QT does, asking you questions like "do you have any..." I tried it last year, and ended going back to QT just 'cuz I'm lazy and want the program to do all the thinking for me. IIRC, you still need to fill out all the calculation work sheets and supplemental forms.

It does have all the forms necessary for filing your tax. Think of it as electronic copies of all the paper tax forms.

Actually it does walk you through a basic return. I found the experience pretty much the same as Quicktax last year.

I've used Quicktax since long before Intuit purchased it (Wintax days), and Studiotax is a great free replacement.

I would have never stopped buying Quicktax if they had not limited the returns to 2 last year. Now i'll just stick with Studiotax.

[mabba18]

Thanks for this!

So, does it have a step by step wizard?

There's one yay, and one nay. It's a deal breaker for me, so I'd like to know for sure before spending any time with it.

[orriel]

Absolutely.


Sweet! Thanks !
I've always used QuickTax, will give this one a try.

[SillySusie]

[...]So, does it have a step by step wizard?

There's one yay, and one nay.[...]As someone else pointed out, it does have a step by step wizard to fill in your basic tax information, the common tax return forms, and common tax credits. It will also identify many potential tax savings after you have completed the forms. However, it will not take you step-by-step via wizard through all possible tax scenarios, but all tax (smart) forms are available there for you to fill and review. For example, let's say you are running business, it will not wizard you through entering the data for those forms; but it does have all of the forms required, and they are smart forms, they will auto-calculate, auto-populate things like rates, etc. and offer help. So it may not be as idiot proof as Quicktax, but it will cover everyone's tax requirements.

Overall, the software and forms are very well made, print well, and Netfile well; it's excellent software, free or not.

I don't understanf people who use ufile online, or any other online tax filing software, aren't you concerned about your privacy?! With StudioTax, it never goes online, all information remains on your PC; to netfile, it simply writes out a file which you can directly upload to CRA.

[dutchca]

Used this for the first time last year - 100% success.

One question though - is there an easy way to split a T5 or T3 between spouses 50/50?

[SillySusie]

[...]is there an easy way to split a T5 or T3 between spouses 50/50?I think you'd need to use an external calculator/speadsheet to simply split your amounts before entering them into the StudioTax T3/5 forms.

But note that you cannot do this unless both spouses names are on the T3 or T5 and even then you are not allowed to willy-nilly split income, investment or otherwise (except for pension income and/or dividend income / dividend tax credits only if it increases the spousal tax credit). Investment income must be attributed to the person who made the investment, even if it's a joint account.

[mxz700]

Thanks OP.

[champdood]

This is awesome, thanks. I miss being in Australia, the government puts out a fantastic self-lodging piece of software each year.

Canada is lightyears behind (the Aussie government one also prefills it, they get all the information from banks, your employer, etc anyway and it calculates most of the tax rebates you qualify for. It's basically "plug in the deductions" and you're done), but it's good to see some good stuff out there. I've got to get on their beta for lodging software, taxprep and the like charge a fortune to use their stuff, it's disgusting, especially when all it does it wrap up the numbers you put in into a file and securely send it.

[mabba18]

As someone else pointed out, it does have a step by step wizard to fill in your basic tax information, the common tax return forms, and common tax credits. It will also identify many potential tax savings after you have completed the forms. However, it will not take you step-by-step via wizard through all possible tax scenarios, but all tax (smart) forms are available there for you to fill and review. For example, let's say you are running business, it will not wizard you through entering the data for those forms; but it does have all of the forms required, and they are smart forms, they will auto-calculate, auto-populate things like rates, etc. and offer help. So it may not be as idiot proof as Quicktax, but it will cover everyone's tax requirements.


Thanks for the clear answer! It seems like it should cover our needs, and I will give it a try before I decide to fork over anything for QuickTax this year.

[mafiastyles]

thanks op will try first time

[professionaldude]

I'll give it a try this time.

[gia]

I have used Ufile in the past, and was playing around with studio tax . It does not automatically do the income splitting as does Ufile, so I will stick to it. Ufile also has a free filing day for seniors, typically the last friday in Feb.

[SillySusie]

[...]It does not automatically do the income splitting as does Ufile, so I will stick to it.[...]To clarify, that would be pension income splitting; applies to retired folks only, doesn't apply to me yet. But are you sure?... I read that if you use form T1032 StudioTax should automatically calculate the amount eligible for income splitting; and you can manually override that amount if desired after.

[dvd5]

I used Studiotax last year and it was quite good.

The only down side I can think of is that I cannot save my return as pdf file. I must open it from studiotax. The file extensions were .TAX.

Before studiotax, I tried mytaxexpress. It was not free but the returns were saved in pdf files so I can open them on any computer I have.

Prior to that I have always used QT.

[Barry]

"Please note that the Quebec provincial tax is not yet supported. This does not prevent you from using Netfile to file your federal tax."

Canada does not like us Québécois people so, I have to dish out $40 for Quicktax!!

Of interest to QC filers is this web site. http://www.5dollartax.ca/default-e.htm

It would appear this product is free for netfile (fed and prov) for QC residents (only). The only bad thing imo is that its a web based product (they have your personal data). If someone tries this, please post here and let us know how it worked out for you. On a positive note, I know they have been around for several years (at least 4)... and although the name implies a cost of $5, it would appear based on everything I can find on their web site that it is free. For anyone outside QC, I recommend Studiotax over this product any day. If StudioTax ever gets certified in Quebec, I would also suggest folks jump ship fast.

Also of interest to folks is that Studiotax2008 is now certified for netfile.

[SillySusie]

I[...]The only down side I can think of is that I cannot save my return as pdf file. I must open it from studiotax. The file extensions were .TAX.[...]Actually, you can save as a PDF, you just need a print to PDF utility (many free ones available). You can print your entire return to any physical printer or virtual print devices, like "print to PDF file" devices, and other print to file formats, like Microsoft's document writer (.MDI or .TIF) or XPS file formats.

And the .TAX files are actually Netfile format files, StudioTax own file extensions were .STX, and changed this year to .08T.

[ghostryder]

But note that you cannot do this unless both spouses names are on the T3 or T5


Investment income must be attributed to the person who made the investment, even if it's a joint account.

These two statements are contradictory. The second one is more accurate, it does not matter who's name is on the slip, the tax liability is attributed to the person who made the investment.

[djino]

Studiotax can only complete the Federal part of your Tax return if you live in Quebec. The Quebec part is not supported with Studiotax

djino
":mad:"

[b1unt3d]

The 2008 version is now NETFILE certified. Used this last year, free and easy :)

http://www.studiotax.com

[b1unt3d]

The 2008 version is now NETFILE certified.

[ahsalloum]

How is QuickTax better than this free software?

[jindogae]

Can anyone verify that this software is safe and accurate?

[Kwirky]

Can anyone verify that this software is safe and accurate?

NETFILE certified = 100% safe and accurate.

I've used it for my last few returns, and I always send the publishers some money from my return too.

[dzbbc163]

Can anyone verify that this software is safe and accurate?

i used it last year. No problem

[andrew2good4u]

i used it last year. No problem

Cool. The website looks sketchy though.

QuickTax has the advantage of branding and marketing on their side.

[darren22]

I've used it the last 2 years, no problems with it.

QuickTax definitely has a much slicker interface, but if you know the basics of doing your taxes, StudioTax is fine.

[GTI]

I'll give it a try. Thanks.

[Formula1]

This belongs in the freebies forums. I've used StudioTax for 3 years now for me and my parents w/o any problems. I find it pretty easy to use.

[yzf600]

I can vouch for this software. I ave used it for the last three years for multiple returns. Also verified the outcome on different tax applications with the same results.

Thanks OP for posting.

[samson]

Same here...used it for last 3 yrs..Any issue I had was dealt promptly with their support staff through email. Very very good software imo.

[stevenw]

I also used it for 2007 returtn. Very good.
Even better than QuickTax standard, because TaxStudio include
Capital carry over + Home-business costs, etc.

[mic2074]

call me a skeptic - but there's no free lunch in this world when you can make some money... how do these guys make money off of it ? I'm sure as others have mentioned that it works well, and sufficient for basic income taxes - but how secure are your infomation, does any of it get back to the provider of this software ?

[Carebear]

If you read the posts in the Freebies thread, and posts from previous years, you'll find that many people have successfully and happily used this tax return filing software. All of your personal information resides on your computer, not on their server, so they don't have access to it.

[tsatsa]

Thanks OP, will download it and have it a try.

[mic2074]

If you read the posts in the Freebies thread, and posts from previous years, you'll find that many people have successfully and happily used this tax return filing software. All of your personal information resides on your computer, not on their server, so they don't have access to it.

I understand that ppl have used it and is happy with it - but would it be possible for your personal info to be sent to the provider, say, when you have to update the software or when you netfile. I know netfiling is secure, but do you know if this piece of software will not send two streams of info - one for netfiling and one to provide personal info to the provider.

[caper1175]

I've used this software for the past 2 years and it works quite well. If it wasn't accurate and safe then it wouldn't have been certified by CRA.

[bionicbadger]

I've used this software for the past 2 years and it works quite well. If it wasn't accurate and safe then it wouldn't have been certified by CRA.

Do you REALLY think the CRA has computer guys that decompile the code and make sure it doesn't have any back doors or other malicious things in it? I'm sure it is safe, but I'm pretty sure the CRA approves it because it sends the correct information in the correct format to the CRA, not because they have done a thorough security check of the code to make sure its safe.

[ttff]

How is QuickTax better than this free software?
I have used for couple of years, it's great.

[jerryhung]

there are like 3+ StudioTax threads now.... wow


2008 supports saving as PDF as well

[h00ch]

Wrong forum and a repost...

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=683193

[iamdman]

I've used it before and also compared the results to other leading tax software and it is accurate.

For those worried about data privacy (which I believe should not be an issue) simply disconnect your ethernet cable before you enter in your data. I believe you can create the netfile file without being connected. Worst case just print the return and mail it in, worst worst case, transfer all the information to a paper return available at the post office.

Lastly, I have a funny feeling that now that they are certified with the government the days of this software being free are numbered, mark my word. If it is free come next tax season I will be very surprised.

[djino]

This is the 3rd Thread for Studiotax, but anyways, might aswell let people know here that...

If you are a Quebec Resident, Studiotax will only file your federal part of your return. It does not support the Quebec Part.

djino
"still :mad:"

[nasersid]

I understand that ppl have used it and is happy with it - but would it be possible for your personal info to be sent to the provider, say, when you have to update the software or when you netfile. I know netfiling is secure, but do you know if this piece of software will not send two streams of info - one for netfiling and one to provide personal info to the provider.

If you are that paranoid you can always use print method and send the info to Revenue Canada manually by post. I have done both. And also what gives you that security for say QuickTax, UTax etc. you must be wirting your return by hand every year since you seem skeptical about the personal info security. You cant even use a tax sepcialist for that matter as he keeps all your info.

[hothummer]

I am not sure if they have changed it for 2008 however in the past, you had to manually calculate the net business expenses for Studiotax. For example, if you are allowed to deduct 50% of an expense, you have to enter in the NET amount into Sutdiotax as the app does not do the calculation for you. This is different than Quicktax which enables you to enter the GROSS amount and it does the appropriate calculation.

Not that doing the math is difficult however if you are aware of this, you will technically be claiming TWICE the expenses you should be and could end up being audited.

This is not a big deal if you are aware of it however it is a HUGE oversight on the part of the Studiotax developers.

Otherwise, an AWESOME app!!!!! highly recommended.

[goathead]

I used it last year, no problems and did my netfiling. Most people who I know that used this donated 5-10$ to these guys (I did), its voluntary but seems fair.

[shingor6]

Is it only for Federal taxes or is it also for provincial taxes?

[WickedXJ]

This will be my third year too, works great. Dont forget to donate, I did for the first time last year via paypal.

[randomthoughts]

If you're concerned about security, enter fake details (SIN/Name/DoB) and print out/save the forms. Then use Telefile to file the form with CRA. That's what I've done for the past few years.

[Odysseus_Maximus]

thanks

[kiasu]

I used it for the last 3 or 4 years...quick, easy and FREE..i am gonna send them some money this year..

[kiasu]

I understand that ppl have used it and is happy with it - but would it be possible for your personal info to be sent to the provider, say, when you have to update the software or when you netfile. I know netfiling is secure, but do you know if this piece of software will not send two streams of info - one for netfiling and one to provide personal info to the provider.

It's funny to see that ppl concern about 'security' when it comes to 'FREE', while if they make you to buy such as QuickTax, UFile or whatever then ppl wont concern about 'security'? Come on...the backend concept is the same or similar. If you really concern about your privacy, then pay the money and get QuickTax or whichever you feel comfortable.

[wranglery]

Is it only for Federal taxes or is it also for provincial taxes?

When you fill in your info, you will select the province you are in and you will complete your provincial tax as well.

But from another poster, it seems that it will not work for the province of Quebec.

[Barry]

It works for provincial returns, however Revenue Quebec has not certified this product. For provinces other than QC, you file your provicial and federal return at the same time with the Feds (Revenue Canada).

Quebec being different from all the rest has people in that province send one return to the Feds (Revenue Canada) and another to an equal provincial entity (Revenue Quebec).

[timg]

Anybody having trouble accessing the www.studiotax.com website? I can't seem to get it to load (so I can download the program).

Tim

[timg]

My bad.. the site is just REALLY slow and I could only get it to work with IE.

[adot111]

Thanks

[kid3]

I used it for the last 3 or 4 years...quick, easy and FREE..i am gonna send them some money this year..

I have also used them the past few years and it works great. And yes we need to support this great SW they offer to us

[SillySusie]

[...]For those worried about data privacy[...]
Lastly, I have a funny feeling that now that they are certified with the government the days of this software being free are numbered, mark my word. If it is free come next tax season I will be very surprised.

Re: Security: StudioTax 2008 runs locally on your PC and does not send any information to the internet (I run an outbound firewall). The only communications it does with the internet is check for new updates during startup, if you have that option active. When you NETFILE, StudioTax creates a local file on your PC, it is up to you to connect directly to CRA using a secure browser and upload this file directly to them. (And if you are concerned about any software sending information out, run an outbound firewall).

StudioTax has been certified by the CRA in past years, it must be certified to allow NETFILE. This is not what will change StudioTax's free status.

[tigger03]

Anybody having trouble accessing the www.studiotax.com website? I can't seem to get it to load (so I can download the program).

Tim

works for me

[porkchopbread]

I tested out studio tax this year after using ufile for the last 3 years and quick tax before that. Out of all three, I think quick tax and studio tax are the easiest to use. Ufile is just not that user friendly...I've only been using it for the past few years because it's cheaper than quick tax and I kind of know what I'm doing, so I ignore all of the ufile tutorials....

but to test out how good studio tax was in terms of calculating refunds, i entered all of my data into studio tax and then onto ufile.ca. when i just entered my data as single person, I got the same refund amount on both. But when I added my wife, here's where ufile went wrong. it automatically maximized her refund at the expense of mine's. so yes, she ended up with a few hundred more in refund (than studio tax), but my refund went right down the gutter. After I went back into the numbers to balance it out (instead of letting ufile decide what to do), I managed to recalculate the same refund that studio tax calculated.

So all in all, Studio Tax isn't really going to give you less of a refund than Ufile. It's just as accurate. So if it's just as accurate, and it's free, why not then, hey?

I think I'll get off the ufile bandwagon and jump on the studio tax one.

[ken_]

new to this stuff but thanks op

[jande9]

call me a skeptic - but there's no free lunch in this world when you can make some money... how do these guys make money off of it ? I'm sure as others have mentioned that it works well, and sufficient for basic income taxes - but how secure are your infomation, does any of it get back to the provider of this software ?

They ask for a donation, so technically this isn't "free", they would like you to pay something. It is more of a "hot deal" than an actual freebie.

They also sell a version for use by professional tax preparers.

As noted by others with firewalls, it doesn't attempt to contact anyone alse.

It is actually much better than "sufficient for basic income taxes" and is usable for pretty well anyone.

I have used it for the last 2 years for several returns that included business as well as investment and employment income and it was great.

Since Intuit bought Cantax and de-featured that program to the level of QuickTax several years ago I have been looking for an alternative and this one is by far the best.

[babaliciouz]

just downloaded the software to find out I can only do federal tax return with studiotax and not provincial...since I'm in Quebec:(...it sucks...
but I guess I can use ufile since I'm a student.....any other suggestions guys?

[h00ch]

QuickTax has a free version and student version online (which may also be free)

edit:
http://quicktax.intuit.ca/tax-software/personal-products/free-tax-products.jsp

[katieo]

I downloaded this a while back and did both mine and my boyfriend's taxes. It was my first time doing taxes on my own, and I must say I am really happy with the outcome. It was very user friendly. I had a family member who is in the tax profession skim over it before I submitted it, and he said it looked perfect. Got our money already. Too bad it all has to go towards necessities. :P

[Cheap Cat]

I've used StudioTax the last few years with no problems. This year I was doing my parents returns and I kept getting different results.
This was even before I tried to do the pension income splitting. After the pension splitting, the net result continued to change. Last year, it worked flawlessly. I finally gave up it was getting late and I had a bad headache so I will look at it again next time I am over. Has anyone else had any problems with it? Or do I just need to look at it again with fresh eyes.

[babaliciouz]

QuickTax has a free version and student version online (which may also be free)

edit:
http://quicktax.intuit.ca/tax-software/personal-products/free-tax-products.jsp

thanks a lot

[HockeyMom]

I've used StudioTax the last few years with no problems. This year I was doing my parents returns and I kept getting different results.
This was even before I tried to do the pension income splitting. After the pension splitting, the net result continued to change. Last year, it worked flawlessly. I finally gave up it was getting late and I had a bad headache so I will look at it again next time I am over. Has anyone else had any problems with it? Or do I just need to look at it again with fresh eyes.

Use the wizard and Check your decimals...I forgot to put mine in and !!!
I have never had any problems with Studio Tax...I have used this program for years. Good Luck CheapCat

[tdotcbc84]

i completed my taxes using studiotax, however, it's only for the t1 general forms and not the t1 special forms (which were sent to my house). does anyone know if studiotax has the t1 special forms? and how can i get there?

[paulo500]

My hats off to Studiotax.
Just completed our taxes with it and we never had any issues. I've been using quicktax online in the past, and the learning curve to sudiotax was easy. Will definitely be using this in the future.
If i didn't have to owe the gov't this year, i would be forking over a donation to them for sure.

Software improvements:
-Would be nice to have a realtime refund box displayed somewhere on the screen while im inputing my data. (Like quicktax)

[habsfan93]

but to test out how good studio tax was in terms of calculating refunds, i entered all of my data into studio tax and then onto ufile.ca. when i just entered my data as single person, I got the same refund amount on both. But when I added my wife, here's where ufile went wrong. it automatically maximized her refund at the expense of mine's. so yes, she ended up with a few hundred more in refund (than studio tax), but my refund went right down the gutter. After I went back into the numbers to balance it out (instead of letting ufile decide what to do), I managed to recalculate the same refund that studio tax calculated.


UFile will maximize the tax returns to get the greatest possible combined refund. Frankly, if you're married, you're probably sharing finances, and so I don't know why you would not want to get as much money as possible. Who cares who gets the refund if its all going into the same pot.

Even if you keep split finances, like my spouse and I do, what I did is input both my spouse and I as single into UFile to determine what our individual refunds would be, then I merged them. When I merged them, UFile combined and transferred some credits from one of us to the other as appropriate. When we get the refund, one of us will transfer money to the other as appropriate to make sure that we each get what we deserve, and any difference, we split in half. In our situation, we received an extra $50 each on top of our normal refunds by maximizing spousal transfers.

[nirianto]

This is my first time filing for a return. I'm using studiotax to start with and I save the forms in pdf. I am wondering if the pdf print out can be submitted to CRA for my return??

thanks for your help!

[bloodwulf]

on Page 4 of the T1 pages, there is an area for direct deposit.. why can't I fill that area out??

thanks

[rmkbow]

This is a great program. I used it to fill out my tax forms last week and printed them out for mailing.

Gotta try submitting online next year.

[YLSF]

Hi, I am having problems figuring out how to edit the "donations" about without going through the Wizard. I have entered some info via the wizard but I am not sure where it is showing up in the forms... Anyone know?

[Carebear]

Hi, I am having problems figuring out how to edit the "donations" about without going through the Wizard. I have entered some info via the wizard but I am not sure where it is showing up in the forms... Anyone know?

For Ontario tax packages, Donations and Gifts show up on Schedule 9 of your tax forms. It may be different for other provinces. You can confirm the correct form number by visiting the CRA website (http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/formspubs/t1gnrl/menu-eng.html).

[YLSF]

Thanks Carebear, it didn't show with the other schedules (In the wizard it said check Schedule 9) but I didn't see it listed along with Schedule 11, etc, etc in the software. However, when I printed out a test PDF I see the amount of the donation there.

[talktwo]

Thanks ... will try this program this year :)

[emjay]

I would have never stopped buying Quicktax if they had not limited the returns to 2 last year. Now i'll just stick with Studiotax.

Don't know if I'm allowed to say this here, but I downloaded Quicktax '08 and the included license had a limit of TWENTY returns. Any idea how much more this would actually cost? My first time filing online, it was easy as hell!

[Carebear]

Don't know if I'm allowed to say this here, but I downloaded Quicktax '08 and the included license had a limit of TWENTY returns. Any idea how much more this would actually cost? My first time filing online, it was easy as hell!

StudioTax is free. No cost to purchase, or to create the eFile. Donations accepted if you're happy with the software, though.

[emjay]

StudioTax is free. No cost to purchase, or to create the eFile. Donations accepted if you're happy with the software, though.

I'll take a look at it next year, I already filed and got my refund. There's no point in pirating software if the free one is just as good.

[OverDriveAdamJ]

Don't know if I'm allowed to say this here, but I downloaded Quicktax '08 and the included license had a limit of TWENTY returns. Any idea how much more this would actually cost? My first time filing online, it was easy as hell!

20 returns is not a software restriction by the vendor, but actually by the Canadian Government.

http://www.netfile.gc.ca/sftwr-eng.html

Limit of 20 returns

NETFILE is an electronic filing service that taxpayers can use to file their own personal income tax and benefit return with the CRA. To protect the integrity of this service, the CRA has set a limit of 20 returns per computer that can be prepared with a NETFILE-certified tax preparation software each tax year. The limit may help prevent some tax preparation service providers from using NETFILE. Software developers must respect this limit to be certified for NETFILE.

The CRA has determined that a limit of 20 returns, whether printed or filed using NETFILE, is appropriate and sufficient for a NETFILE software product. This will allow even a large family to share one software product to prepare and file their tax returns. If your tax return is being prepared and filed by a tax preparation service provider, do not provide him or her with your access code. There is a separate service for those who prepare and electronically file taxes on behalf of others, which is called EFILE. This service requires users to sign-in with their own user ID and password. They do not require your access code. Before they can file on your behalf, they need your authorization. Please sign Form T183, Information Return for Electronic Filing of an Individual's Income Tax and Benefit Return, to give authorization. This form does not give authorization for someone to file on your behalf using NETFILE.

If you are a tax preparation service provider, you must not use the NETFILE service. You must use EFILE to electronically file returns on behalf of others. Please visit the CRA Web site to learn about all the benefits of using this service.

For more information please visit our News and Program Updates Web page.

[blindemboss]

StudioTax is free. No cost to purchase, or to create the eFile. Donations accepted if you're happy with the software, though.

Yes...while we all love bargains, it would be the right thing to do.

Apparently there has been 100K downloads. If everyone donated $5...:eek: :cheesygri