Want to file your tax and wondering which free tax software to use in Canada? We’ve got you covered.
This post covers the options available to Canadians for filing their taxes, a list of the best free tax software in Canada and their features, the things to consider when choosing one and our recommendation for the best tax software.
In fact, one of the tax software covered will literally pay you to file your taxes.
Read on to find out…
Best Free Tax Software In Canada
If you’re looking to file your own taxes yourself and for free in 2023 for the 2022 tax year, here are 8 of the best free tax software in Canada to choose from.
If you trade or invest in cryptocurrencies, check here for the best crypto tax software in Canada.
1. Wealthsimple Tax
First on this list of the best free tax software in Canada is Wealthsimple Tax, formerly SimpleTax.
Wealthsimple Tax is a certified tax software by both CRA and Revenu Quebec.
Wealthsimple Tax operates using a pay-what-you-want model. That means, you can use the service completely free, but there’s an option to pay if you liked the service.
There are no income limits or restrictions on the type of return you can file, so its complete features are available to everyone.
It has a clean, simple, and easy-to-follow interface. It can handle both simple and complex tax situations, and is suitable for both beginners and experienced tax filers.
Some of the other features of Wealthsimple Tax are:
- Auto-fill my return
- Step-by-step guidance
- Free support via email
- RRSP calculator: see how different RRSP contributions will impact your refund
- Financial recommendations: introduced after SimpleTax was acquired by WealthSimple in 2019.
- File up to 20 tax returns in a year
2. TurboTax Free
TurboTax is brought to you by Intuit, the same company behind QuickBooks, the most popular accounting software for small businesses.
It has various paid options depending on your needs and a free version called TurboTax Free.
TurboTax has all the forms and schedules you need to file your tax return accurately. It is available online and on any device, so you don’t need to download any software to your computer.
You also get the following benefits:
- There is no income restriction to using the free version
- NETFILE certified and ReFILE if you need to amend your returns
- File up to 20 returns in a year
- Maximum refund guarantee
- 100% accuracy guarantee or get a refund of any CRA penalties.
- Data protection so you can file confidently.
Unlike some of the other free options below, TurboTax Free option is available for Quebec residents.
The paid option costs $20.99 to $34.99 and comes with better support, guides you through the tax preparation and automatically checks if you qualify for over 400 credits and deductions. You can get 15% off using this link.
It is a great option if you’re looking to maximize your tax refunds.
3. H&R Block
H&R Block is one of the biggest tax software providers in the world. It offers a free version that can be used to file any tax return, regardless of the complexity.
It lets you import some of your tax slips automatically from either CRA or Revenu Quebec through the Auto-fill feature. And guides you through the filing process in logical and easy-to-follow steps.
If you need any help, support is provided through an Online Help Centre that has answers to many common questions. For more personalized help and unlimited tech support, you’ll need to upgrade to one of the paid tiers.
The paid options start at $19.99 or $34.99, with audit protection.
Other features include:
- Automatic return optimization
- NETFILE and ReFILE
- Available online and on any device.
4. Cloudtax
CloudTax lets you file your returns through NETFILE by answering a few basic questions.
The service is available online through a clean and simple interface. Some of its features include:
- Step-by-step guidance
- Autofill my return
- File from any device – mobile and desktop compatible
- Audit protection
- Digital storage
It has both a free and paid option. The paid option costs $29.99 to $39.99 and it’s for those with self-employed, rental income or employment expenses.
CloudTax is not available for residents of Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, or Quebec. It is the only free option with unlimited chat support.
5. Ufile
Ufile is a NETFILE-certified free tax software that lets you file electronically to CRA and Revenu Quebec. It’s been serving taxpayers for over 20 years.
It has both an online version and a desktop application. The online version can be used on any device, while the desktop application is only available on the Windows Operating system.
The features include:
- Auto-fill
- Express Notice of Assessment (NOA)
- ReFILE
- Available for Quebec residents
- Triple guarantee: Accuracy, satisfaction, and best tax result.
Ufile is completely free for:
- Those with a total family income of less than $20,000
- Newcomers to Canada
- Post-secondary students, regardless of their income; and
- If you have a simple tax return, that is reporting only a single employment income (T4) or income from a government pension (OAS or CPP/QPP).
If you don’t fall into any of those groups, there are paid versions starting at $19.95
6. StudioTax
StudioTax is the pioneer free tax software in Canada, and it has been helping Canadians file their taxes since 2004.
It is not a cloud-based application though. It is available for download on Windows, Mac, iOS and Android. If you are concerned about the security of your personal data with one of the online applications, then StudioTax could be a more secure option for you.
There is no need to create an account or provide your address, email or credit card information.
It is completely free to use for individuals making $20,000 or less and residents of the Northern Territories (Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut). Otherwise, there’s a fee of $15 that allows up to 20 returns.
These are some of the other features of StudioTax:
- It is NETFILE certified
- There are no income restrictions
- You can file up to 20 tax returns
- It is available in Quebec, but not on the Mac version
- It can be used for both simple and more complex returns, such as self-employed, rental income, investment income and so on
Support is available through email and How to Guides in the application.
7. GenuTax
GenuTax is a free tax software that can handle most tax situations, such as capital gains and losses, rental income and small businesses.
It is NETFILE-certified and also includes:
- Multiyear support, that is you can also file taxes for any year starting from 2010
- Step-by-step interview to guide you through preparing your tax and claiming all relevant tax deductions and credit
- Up to 20 tax returns for each year with no income restrictions
GenuTax is completely free to use, but users are encouraged to donate a token to cover some of the costs of developing and maintaining the software.
A big con: GenuTax is a desktop application and it is only available on Windows Operating Systems (Windows 7 and above). So you’re out of luck if you use a Macbook. Also, it is not available for Quebec Provincial tax returns.
There is no phone support. But there’s limited support via email – responses can take up to two business days.
8. EachTax
The final free tax software we’ll be covering is EachTax. EachTax has both a paid and free pricing option. For the paid version, it is $6.99 for the first tax return or $3.99 for each additional return. The free option is available to tax filers in the categories below:
- New Customers
- Seniors, 70 years and older
- New Immigrants
- Income of $25,000 or less (based on Line 15000 of the T1 return)
There is no income cap for the first 3 categories.
EachTax can be used for both simple and complex tax returns and has most of the standard features, such as Autofill, built-in error checking, secure online filing and ReFile of amended returns.
Unfortunately, the service isn’t available in Quebec or for returns that incorporate AgriStability/AgriInvest Program (T1163, T1273).
Also, the interface looks a little dated, but it gets the job done.
Free Tax Clinics
Another option for filing taxes for free is through one of the many tax clinics across Canada. They are staffed by volunteers and hosted by community organizations, under the CRA’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP).
Depending on the tax clinic, you may be able to simply walk in or book an appointment to meet a volunteer. Others will allow you to drop off your documents and pick them up after your tax return is completed.
Click here to find a tax clinic in your area.
Due to covid-19, some community organizations are now hosting virtual tax clinics too. The returns will be completed and filed via phone or teleconference.
However, tax clinics are not for everyone. To be eligible, you must have a simple tax situation and a modest income.
You have a simple tax situation if you have no income or your income is from employment, pension, RRSP, interest under $1,000 and benefits. You can’t use a tax clinic if you are self-employed, have capital gains or losses, business or rental income and so on.
Modest income varies depending on family size. For example, it is $35,000 for a single or $52,500 for a family of 5.
To learn more about what qualifies as a simple tax situation and the income requirement for each family size, check the CRA’s Tax Clinic page here.
How To File Your Tax In Canada
In general, there are 2 ways to file your taxes in Canada: On Paper or electronically.
We cover the 2 options in detail below.
How To File Your Tax Returns On Paper In Canada
About 12% of the total returns processed during the 2019 tax-filing season were done on paper. And the number and percentage continue to drop.
Despite this, CRA is still committed to serving anyone that wishes to file using this option.
The paper filing option is suited for seniors, those living in rural and remote areas and people with mobility restrictions.
So how does it work?
CRA sends the tax package to individuals that filed using paper in previous years. If you didn’t receive one but would like to file on paper, you can request a copy of the tax package using the options below:
- Order online from CRA
- Contact CRA using the toll-free number at 1-855-330-3305; or
- Download and print the tax package yourself
Once you have the package, you’ll fill out all the relevant forms and send them back to a tax office near you.
But note that it takes about 8 weeks before paper returns are processed, and the notice of assessment is issued. So if you need your tax refund on time, filing electronically is a better option.
How To File Your Tax Online In Canada
This is the most common way of filing taxes in Canada. In fact, almost 90% of all tax filers for the 2019 tax filing season used an electronic option.
There are 3 electronic methods for those interested in filing their taxes online:
- NETFILE is an electronic tax filing service from CRA. It is for individuals that want to file their own taxes directly to CRA using a certified software. All the free tax software listed below are NETFILE-certified.
With NETFILE, you get an immediate confirmation that CRA has received your returns and tax refunds will be received earlier.
There are a few restrictions on who can file using NETFILE though. For example, you can’t use NETFILE if you are a non-resident of Canada, went bankrupt within the past 2 years or filed for a deceased person.
You can find a list of other NETFILE restrictions here.
- EFILE is used by CRA-authorized service providers to send tax returns. If you use a tax professional or a CPA to file your taxes, they are most likely using software that sends your returns to CRA using EFILE.
- File My Return allows eligible individuals to file their returns using an automated phone service. Only those with low income or fixed income, with their situations the same from year to year, are eligible to use this option. CRA sends an invitation letter through mail to the tax filers that are eligible in February.
Filing your tax returns using one of the electronic methods is fast and secure. And your returns will be processed quickly, and a refund sent within 2 weeks if you have set up direct deposit.
Should You File Your Own Tax Yourself Or Use A Tax Professional?
The short answer is: It depends. You should consider your own individual situation – how complicated your tax situation is whether have you had a major life change in the past year and so on.
If you have self-employment income, rental income, investment income and many other tax areas that can be more complicated, it may be best to use the services of a professional.
Using a tax professional will be more expensive but it can potentially save you more in the future. Besides, the value of a CPA or other tax professional goes beyond just preparing your tax.
They can also help you with tax planning, choosing the right investment accounts, maximizing your benefits and so on.
Related Post: Pros and Cons of Filing Your Own Taxes vs Using a CPA/Tax Expert In Canada
What To Look Out For When Choosing A Tax Software?
So if you decide to go with one of the free options, what are the features to look out for?
- The software should be NETFILE certified.
- It is available in your province and supports your language.
- Easy to use and available on your device
- The version you’re using supports your tax situation. For example, some free versions may not support self-employment or rental income. So always check that there are no restrictions that may affect you
- The level of support provided
Benefits of Filing Your Taxes Online Using a Tax Software
Filing your taxes online is becoming more popular by the day. There are several benefits to filing your taxes online using tax software. Here are some of the benefits:
Cost-effective
Using tax software saves money because you don’t have to pay an accountant or a professional to prepare your taxes for you.
You can file your return using a computer or smartphone in minutes, and then receive an emailed receipt that you can print out and use as proof of filing when you file your return.
Faster Refunds
Submitting your return online will help you get your refund faster. This is because the IRS will receive your return electronically, rather than having to wait until you mail it in.
You can expect your refund to be processed within six weeks after they receive your return. If you use paper or mail-in forms, it will take more time before you get your refund.
Improved Accuracy
When you use tax software, it will automatically fill out your return based on the information that you input.
This means that there is less room for error, and you can be confident that your return is being filed correctly.
User-friendly
Tax software is easy to use. They provide guidance so even if you are not a professional, you can still file your return by simply following the steps provided by the software. This is especially helpful if you have a complex tax situation.
And if you have any questions, most tax software includes live chat support so you can get help from a tax expert.
Convenience
Using tax software is very convenient because you can complete your taxes from the comfort of your home or office on your computer.
You don’t have to get dressed up in business clothes and go down to visit any office. You can just log in, do your taxes and be done with it.
Tax Filing Deadline 2022 & 2023
The deadline for filing your taxes for the 2021 tax year was May 2, 2022, and the deadline for 2022 tax filing is s April 30, 2023.
You have till June 15, 2023, to file if you, or your spouse, are self-employed.
But you must pay any taxes owing by May 1, 2023.
You should start receiving your tax slips (T4, T5 and so on) starting in January. If you wish to file your taxes early to receive your tax refunds as soon as possible, you can file as early as February 20, 2023.
If you’re signed up for direct deposit with CRA, you can expect to get your refund within 2 weeks.
Check here to download a Free Tax Checklist to help you stay organized.
Related Post: 5 ways to reduce your tax
Our Recommendation
If you have a simple tax situation and you’re pretty sure you know what you’re doing, then Wealthsimple Tax is a great option.
It can handle both simple and more complicated tax situations. And with its pay-what-you-want model, you can get everything for free or choose to donate when you’re done.
On the other hand, if you believe your tax situation is a little more complex or you may need some help, then we highly recommend TurboTax.
It is a highly regarded tax software, easy to use and suitable for both beginners and more seasoned tax filers.
Some FAQs
Yes, there are several options available to you, from free tax software to Free Tax clinics.
NETFILE is an electronic tax filing service from CRA. It allows individuals to file their own taxes directly to CRA using certified software.
It depends on the filing method. If you filed electronically and you’ve set up direct deposit, you should get your refund within 2 weeks. It could take up to 8 weeks with paper returns.
Yes, you can file your tax to CRA using one of the approved tax software as a first-time tax filer.
Auto-fill my return lets individuals or an authorized representative, using any of the CRA-certified tax software, to automatically fill parts of their return. Using the service, the tax software can securely pull in any information that CRA already has at the time of filing, e.g. a T4.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to file your taxes yourself or use a professional, there are many options available for you.
So go ahead and choose one of the free tax software in Canada above. You can also download the Canadian tax checklist here to start preparing and getting the documents and tax slips you’ll need.
Related: PaySimply Review – Simplified Tax & Bill Payments
I colled h&r fo tax prep and I mention that I’m low income for free service,no is gona cost you $79.99+tax is that right answer?
Hi,
The free tax-filing options are for DIY tax-filers. That is, you’re preparing your own tax returns but using the software to transmit it to CRA.
If you need someone to prepare it for you, then check the Free Tax Clinics. You can use the link provided in the post to check for a location close to you.
Hope that helps.
Could you help with a recommendation or two for my situation? My accountant is closing up shop and we’re looking to file ourselves online. My wife and i are self-employed in different sole proprietor businesses, we have a rental property, crypto assets (foreign income) and lots of charitable receipts and capital losses from the past to bring forward with us. I’d rather not start in one system and have to switch to another due to lack of forms available.
I’m trying to get prepared for taxes next year. I have previous year filings to reference, and if I can find a tax software that can handle everything but the crypto gains, i can work with that as well. (I prefer to do my taxes on my windows 10 laptop and live in Ontario). Which options allow for forwarding unused charitable receipts, capital gains/losses from year to year?
Many of these software will let you carry forward your unused donations and capital gains/losses. Turbotax, H&R Block are great options and come with the option of having a tax professional review your taxes. If you’re very comfortable with the DIY route, then Wealthsimple Tax (Simpletax) is a great option.
Studio tax hasn’t been free for a few years now.
It costs $15 and you can complete up to 20 returns.
Thanks for your comment. Updated. StudioTax remains free for those making $20k and below and residents of Northern territories.