Tax software is a digital tool, app, or online service that guides you through preparing and filing your taxes, helping you calculate whether you owe taxes or are eligible for a refund.
Whether you use a free or paid version, the best tax software in Canada can make the often mundane task of annual tax filing much easier and faster.
Key Takeaways
- The best free tax software in Canada is from H&R Block.
- Several tax software options offer free service for people with simple returns or low income.
- Features to look for when choosing tax software include cost, OS compatibility, and language support options.
Comparing the top tax software products in Canada
| Best for | Tax software | Pricing | Free version? | Accuracy guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed taxes | H&R Block | * Simple: $0 * Deluxe: $20.99 * Premier: $39.99 * Self-Employed: $59.99 | Yes | Yes |
| Free tax filing | Wealthsimple Tax | * $0 | Yes | Yes |
| Paid assistance | TurboTax (Standard) | * TurboTax Online: $0 - $60 * Assist & Review: $50 - $110 | Yes | Yes |
| Residents of the Territories | StudioTax | * $17.50 (for up to 10 returns) | Yes | None advertised |
| Free video tutorials | CloudTax | * Basic: $0 * Plus: $39 * Pro: $79 | Yes | Yes |
| Filing taxes offline | TaxTron | * Individual: $19.99 * Family: $39.99 * TaxTron Web: $0 | Yes | Yes |
| Students, newcomers, and first-time filers | UFile | * UFile Online: $20.95 * UFile Premium: $32.95 | Yes | Yes |
How we picked the best tax software
To evaluate tax software, we analyze over 10 data points to generate a trustworthy Genius Rating. We consider all aspects of the tax software, including fees, accuracy guarantees, the ability to import prior year data, access to an app, customer satisfaction, and access to experts, to assess its overall value. Then, the tax software’s features are rated based on how they stack up against other available options.
Best tax software 2025 winner: H&R Block
Fee Per Basic Return
$0
Free Version Available?
Import Prior Year Data?
Accuracy Guarantee
As one of the most recognized names in the tax industry, H&R Block provides one of the best tax software products in Canada on top of its in-branch services. With accuracy guarantees, one-on-one attention available from tax professionals at physical offices or online, and options for each price bracket (including free!), H&R Block seems to have thought of everything.
Pros
- Well-established and trusted industry name
- In-person, online, and drop-off filing options
- Clear, step-by-step instructions
- Ability to save your progress and return later.
- Access to seasoned tax professionals
- Free and paid services available
- Specific package designed for self-employed individuals
Cons
- Limited free support
- Free version is quite basic
Provinces
ALL
Eligibility
See Issuer for Details
Why You Want It
Save 25% on your tax filing through moneyGenius.
Special Features
- File online or in-person
- Accuracy guarantee
- Self-employed tax package
Fee Per Basic Return
$0
Free Version Available?
Requirements For Free Version
See Issuer for Details
Import Prior Year Data?
Import Prior Year Data From Another App?
Free Support Available?
Accuracy Guarantee
Mobile App?
Access To Tax Expert
The overall best tax software of 2025 is H&R Block, a very recognizable name in the industry. With a free version, the ability to import prior year data, an accuracy guarantee, and access to one-on-one help with experts, H&R Block is easy to use and reliable.
H&R Block has been a powerhouse in Canada's tax preparation industry for more than 50 years, and along with being the best overall tax software, it's the best option for self-employed individuals. And right now, you can save 25% on your tax filing through us.
They currently have four general packages for clients to choose from:
- Self-Employed ($59.99) – This package is for those who are self-employed, business owners, gig-workers, etc.
- Premier ($39.99) – This package is for those who have investments, rental income, and other types of more complicated tax situations.
- Deluxe ($20.99) – Anyone can choose this package and be able to claim donations and medical expenses, receive personalized tax-saving suggestions, and more.
- Simple ($0) – Those under age 25 file for free. This with simple returns – simply claims for employment income, tuition, RRSP contributions, etc. – pay a very low fee.
One notable detail about H&R Block's software is that you can import your tax return from last year, even if you used a different type of software. TurboTax is the easiest one to import from, but if you have a PDF copy of your return from pretty much any other tax prep company, you can make it work.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Best free software: Wealthsimple Tax
Fee Per Basic Return
$0
Free Version Available?
Import Prior Year Data?
Accuracy Guarantee
Wealthsimple Tax (formerly SimpleTax) is free Canadian tax software that aims to make filing your taxes easy. There’s no downloading necessary – you can go through the process right in your internet browser with step-by-step instructions and auto-fill features. And with maximum refund and accuracy guarantees in place – it’s worth giving it a shot. You’ll even be able to transfer prior year data, an option only available on a handful of other tax software.
Pros
- It's free to use
- 100% accuracy guarantee
- Support for all provinces – even Quebec
- Covers simple tax situations, plus some complex ones
- Ability to import prior year data
Cons
- Support is through email only
- There is no app
- Limit of 20 returns per account
Provinces
ALL
Eligibility
- Canadian citizen
Why You Want It
Easily file your taxes for free + Get a 100% accuracy guarantee.
Special Features
- Maximum refund guarantee
- RRSP calculator
- Auto-fill available
Fee Per Basic Return
$0
Free Version Available?
Requirements For Free Version
- Always
Import Prior Year Data?
Import Prior Year Data From Another App?
Free Support Available?
Accuracy Guarantee
Mobile App?
Access To Tax Expert
Wealthsimple Tax is an excellent option for anyone looking to complete their own tax return, especially if you have an uncomplicated, straightforward return. Its intuitive design walks you through the entire filing process – and it's completely free.
One thing setting Wealthsimple Tax apart is its impressive audit support and it's even free for certain clients. If the CRA or Revenu Quebec decides to audit or review your return, the audit support system will walk through each step of the process with you. Their help includes:
- Explaining your notice of reassessment (NOA) letter
- Clarifying which additional documents you might need
- Providing templates and guidance for communication with the CRA
- Advice for next steps and follow-up
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Best paid tax software: TurboTax
Fee Per Basic Return
$20.99
Free Version Available?
Import Prior Year Data?
Accuracy Guarantee
TurboTax is one of Canada’s most popular tax preparation apps. It’s been around for years, is backed with some solid guarantees, is simple to use, and really takes a lot of the pain out of doing your taxes.
Pros
- Import options
- Real-time refund / owed amount
- Easy online filing
- Instant confirmation, fast refunds
- 4 guarantees to help you feel secure
- Good security practices
Cons
- Standard $20.99 price tag
Provinces
ALL
Eligibility
- Canadian citizen
Why You Want It
Fast, easy tax filing + 100% accuracy guarantee + 20% off your purchase.
Special Features
- Maximum refund guarantee
- Auto-fill available
- Promo: Get up to 20% off your TurboTax purchase
Fee Per Basic Return
$20.99
Free Version Available?
Requirements For Free Version
- Have a simple return
- Comes with limited features
Import Prior Year Data?
Import Prior Year Data From Another App?
Free Support Available?
Accuracy Guarantee
Mobile App?
Access To Tax Expert
TurboTax is a popular tax software option for many Canadians, with several different tiers available:
- TurboTax Online: Users prepare and file returns by themselves
- Assist & Review: Users prepare and file returns with one-on-one help from a tax professional
- Full Service: Users have their returns prepared and filed by a tax professional
TurboTax Online is available for free for simple tax returns (up to $48 for more involved returns) and offers the basic features you need to file a return. While other software programs only offer a free version up to a certain income amount (often $30,000), TurboTax has no income limit.
Plus, it comes with a whopping five different guarantees, including the 100% Accurate Calculations Guarantee and the Expert Approved Guarantee. Both promise to reimburse any penalties and interest if there are any errors in the calculation.
| Pros | Cons |
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Best for residents of the territories: StudioTax
StudioTax is one of the oldest and most well-loved tax software on the market – but unfortunately, it isn’t free anymore. The good news is that it has a low price tag – just $17.50 – and this includes up to 10 returns. Most software options charge for each return.
Though the user interface could use a bit of sprucing up, a major benefit of StudioTax's software is that it's a downloadable program, so you don't need an internet connection. That means all your information is completely secure and only lives on your computer – not in some company's cloud storage.
| Pros | Cons |
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Best for free video tutorials: Cloudtax
CloudTax has a modern, aesthetically-pleasing interface and offers free service for people with simple tax returns. If you're good with filing everything yourself, aren't self-employed, and don’t have other complexities, you'll probably end up paying $0.
The downside is the free version isn't available for people living in Quebec or the northern territories. And while all of their webinars and instructional videos are very helpful, speaking with an actual human when you need to can be difficult for Cloudtax Free users.
| Pros | Cons |
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Best premium software for offline filing: TaxTron
TaxTron is a high-quality, well-rated tax software. You'll pay just $19.99 to download either Windows or Mac-specific software and file up to 20 returns, but there's also a free web-based option.
With the downloadable software option, you can file anywhere and any time, without having to worry about an internet connection. This also offers an extra wall of security – there's no concerns about online hackers, etc.
The integrated diagnostics tools alert you to any accounting or filing errors and offer resolutions too, making it a quick, seamless experience. The TaxTron site claims that simple returns can be filed via the web within just five minutes.
| Pros | Cons |
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Best for students, newcomers, and first-time filers: UFile
Fee Per Basic Return
$20.95
Free Version Available?
Import Prior Year Data?
Accuracy Guarantee
UFile is Canadian-made tax software that starts at $20.95 for individuals, though many people can actually use it for free. Students, newcomers, low-income earners (under $20,000), and anyone with a simple return can file without paying a cent, making it one of the more accessible paid tax solutions in Canada. For those who value privacy, UFile Windows is available for $22.99, allowing you to store your tax data locally instead of in the cloud.
Pros
- Free in many cases
- Triple accuracy guarantee
- Express notice of assessment
- Available in Quebec
- Choice to store information offline
Cons
- Not free for everyone
- UFile Online uses cloud storage
- No chat support
- No mobile app
- Can no longer import tax files from TurboTax.
Provinces
ALL
Eligibility
- Canadian citizen
Why You Want It
Autofill your return with an accuracy guarantee + Certain groups can file for free.
Special Features
See Issuer for Details
Fee Per Basic Return
$20.95
Free Version Available?
Requirements For Free Version
- Have a simple return
- Be a student
- Have income below $20,000
Import Prior Year Data?
Import Prior Year Data From Another App?
Free Support Available?
Accuracy Guarantee
Mobile App?
Access To Tax Expert
UFile is a popular option for Canadians and has many features similar to TurboTax and Wealthsimple Tax. This product offers a Triple Guarantee that assures accuracy, satisfaction, and best tax result. Considering these guarantees cover more than many other tax software companies provide, this service seems more customer-focused than other tax software companies.
This version is free for:
- Students
- People with simple returns (only one T4)
- First-time tax filers
- Anyone with an income under $20,000
| Pros | Cons |
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Features you should look for when choosing tax return software
To simplify your decision-making process, it's crucial to understand the key features that can make a significant difference in your tax preparation experience – features like cost and OS compatibility, for instance. To aid in your search for the right software product, here's a list of the most important features to consider:
- User-friendliness – Many of the options listed above have a step-by-step approach or offer a "wizard" to help new users understand the process. So if you're new to tax software, choose one with this type of feature.
- Accuracy and reliability – The best tax software options will offer accuracy guarantees. Even so, look for reviews that discuss how reliable your preferred software is.
- Audit support – Audits are never enjoyable, but having support from your tax software provider can take a bit of the stress away.
- Compatibility with operating systems – Mac users will have more limited options than PC users, but there are still solid choices available.
- Cost – Most people want free software, but some paid options can provide valuable extra features and services. As with all purchases, be sure to measure your wants and needs against the price.
- Free version limitations – If you do choose a free version, double-check its features first to ensure it has what you need, especially if you're a new user.
- Language support – Most software options provide multilingual services, but be sure that your preferred language is supported before committing to a specific software product.
- Customer support options – Phone, email, instant message…whatever your preferred method of communication, the more avenues available for contacting customer support, the better.
- NETFILE approved – Unless you want to manually print and submit your tax return, it's vital that your chosen tax software is NETFILE approved.
- Safety and security – NETFILE-approved software is usually very safe, but you should always check to ensure your chosen software hasn't had any recent security issues.
Should I pay for tax software?
If you're a student, have a low income, or just know that filing your taxes will be quick and easy, there's no reason to pay for tax software.
Most tax software is intuitive, provides step-by-step instructions, and often has an autofill feature, so the average Canadian shouldn't have much difficulty navigating through the filing process.
However, if you're self-employed, a sole proprietorship, or have investments and/or multiple expenses to claim, you may require a paid tax software.
Here are some of the advantages of paid tax software products:
- Ability to claim donations and expenses
- Assistance for maximizing credits and tax deductions
- Final review from a tax expert
- Audit protection services
- Personalized support
Paid software isn't the same as consulting with a tax professional. Be sure you understand the difference so you can be confident in your choice.
Tax software vs. going to a tax specialist
For most Canadians, using tax software is a completely reasonable method for filing your taxes. In fact, 9 out of 10 tax returns are filed online, which shows that most Canadians are pretty comfortable with this method.
Still, if your finances are at all complicated, you may want to consider consulting a tax professional, and probably even let them take over the whole thing. Factors like these can really make things difficult if you're trying to file things on your own:
- You have complex investment income
- You made several and/or significant charitable donations
- You've had major life changes over the last year (moving, marriage, new baby, etc.)
- You're self-employed
- You own your own business
If none of these situations apply to you, and if you're comfortable enough, you can likely find a version of tax software that will be simple enough for you to file things on your own.
Editorial Disclaimer: The content here reflects the author's opinion alone, and is not endorsed or sponsored by a bank, credit card issuer, rewards program or other entity. For complete and updated product information please visit the product issuer's website.
FAQ
What's the best tax software for personal use?
The best tax software in Canada is H&R Block, especially for self-employed individuals. H&R Block is a trusted industry name with reasonable pricing (those under age 25 file for free) and several service packages to choose from.
Is it worth paying for tax software?
This depends on what kind of features you're looking for. The three free options we mentioned here (CloudTax, Wealthsimple Tax, and StudioTax) cover most of your basic needs – check out our comparison table to see how free compares to premium.
Is free tax software in Canada trustworthy?
Yes! It's natural to be skeptical of a free service, but all of the free tax software options we've discussed above are NETFILE-approved and, therefore, are safe and reliable. Most of them have accuracy guarantees too.
What's considered a "simple" tax return?
A simple tax return usually only has a single T4 income slip and doesn't include investment income or expenses, donations, or self-employed income. If this sounds like you, you likely qualify for the free version of most paid tax software.
Should I use tax software or talk to an accountant?
As long as you have a simple return (only one T4 slip), online tax software is good enough to help you file your tax return quickly, correctly, and inexpensively. For complex financial situations, consider consulting a tax professional.
Is hiring a tax accountant worth it?
If you have a complex financial situation (you run your own business, own a rental property, etc.), you can save time and effort by hiring a tax professional. Their experience and knowledge can help you avoid costly mistakes.
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