If you want to cut through all the fluff, StudioTax is Canadian tax software that offers a simple look combined with support for complex tax situations.
As one of the very first tax software packages available in Canada, starting in 2004, StudioTax has gained lots of support for its to-the-point tax solution that hundreds of thousands of Canadians still love today. One of its best features is all you do is download the app on your computer or phone, then everything is done completely offline.
StudioTax features
Why You Want It
Do taxes completely offline + Handles both simple and complex tax situations.
Special Features
- Completely offline
- Support for some complex tax situations
Eligibility
- Canadian citizen
Provinces
ALL
Features
Fee Per Basic Return
$17.5
Free Version Available?
Requirements For Free Version
- Make less than $20,000
- Live in the territories (NU, YT, NT)
Import Prior Year Data?
Import Prior Year Data From Another App?
Free Support Available?
Accuracy Guarantee
Mobile App?
Access To Tax Expert
StudioTax product rating: 2.4 stars
StudioTax has been around since 2004, making it one of the pioneers of tax software in Canada. Its simple and old-fashioned app cuts straight to the point – offering you support for both simple and complex tax situations.
But if you’re used to modern app design, its outdated style may feel a bit cluttered to you. You also can only import prior year files from StudioTax, not any other tax program. Finally, support is only offered through email, which can involve some extended response time.
StudioTax did well when it came to giving you express NOAs, being offline, and being certified for Quebec users. It lost a bit of ground when it came to its lack of live support, plus the fact you have some restrictions when importing data from a prior year.
Rating methodology
We gave each feature in the table above a score out of 5 – comparing it to other tax software and also taking into consideration what it brings to the table for its users. Add that together, divide by the number of features tracked, and you have our star rating.
Learn more about our rating methodology.
The pros of StudioTax
Here are some things we think you’ll like about StudioTax.
Pros
Offers an offline experience
One of the biggest draws to StudioTax is once you download the app on your computer or phone, the experience is offline. That means none of your information is stored online in the cloud – keeping it safe from information hacks and other security risks.
Available in all provinces, including Quebec
StudioTax is available in all Canadian provinces – including the sometimes-excluded Quebec. Just keep in mind that the Mac version of the app doesn’t have the Revenue Quebec certification.
Can handle both simple and complex tax situations
Most people have pretty simple tax situations which will be easily handled by StudioTax, but if you have rental or investment income – you’re taken care of too. There are a couple of restrictions, which they list out here.
Free tax software for certain individuals
If you don't want to worry about paying any kind of fee for your tax software, StudioTax has you covered if you make less than $20,000 a year or live in the territories.
The cons of StudioTax
Some things to be aware of about StudioTax.
Cons
The outdated look could be confusing
If you’re used to the simple modern design adopted by most apps and websites these days, StudioTax’s outdated style may seem cluttered to you. This is something you can get used to, but may be off-putting at first.
Limit of 20 returns
Though most people won’t have a problem with this, StudioTax does follow the 20 return per account restriction set in place by the CRA. If you’re a tax professional, check out StudioTax Enterprise for more information.
StudioTax alternatives
So how does StudioTax stand out in the crowd?
 |  |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Account | StudioTax | TurboTax | Wealthsimple Tax | UFile |
| Genius Rating | ||||
| Why You Want It | Do taxes completely offline + Handles both simple and complex tax situations. | Fast, easy tax filing + 100% accuracy guarantee + 20% off your purchase. | Easily file your taxes for free + Get a 100% accuracy guarantee. | Autofill your return with an accuracy guarantee + Certain groups can file for free. |
| Fee Per Basic Return | $17.5 | $30 | $0 | $20.95 |
| Free Version Available? | | | | |
| Requirements For Free Version |
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| Import Prior Year Data? | | | | |
| Import Prior Year Data From Another App? | | | | |
Show More | ||||
| Apply Now See more Studio Tax products Compare | Apply Now See more Turbotax products Compare | Apply Now See more Wealthsimple products Compare | Learn More See more UFile products Compare |
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FAQ
What’s StudioTax?
StudioTax is Canadian tax software that calculates your tax returns. It’s NETFILE certified and available in all provinces.
Is StudioTax free?
No, StudioTax is only free if you make less than $20,000 a year or you live in the territories.
Can you get StudioTax on the Mac?
Yes, StudioTax is available on the Mac. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the Mac version is the only one that doesn’t have Revenue Quebec certification.
Is StudioTax available in Quebec?
Yes, the Windows, iOS, and Android apps all have Revenue Quebec certification, which means residents of Quebec are supported. Again, the Mac version doesn’t have this certification.
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.
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