There are plenty of choices for free tax software in Canada, including Wealthsimple Tax and TurboTax, two of the best names in the industry. Some tax software is completely free, while others charge for add-ons and improved service options.
But with so many options to choose from, how do you know which is the best tax software for you?
We've done a deep dive into the most popular free tax software products available to Canadians and come up with a list of the best free tax software to fit any tax situation.
Key Takeaways
- The best free tax software options are Wealthsimple Tax and TurboTax.
- Other top options include H&R Block, CloudTax, and UFile.
- Some tax software is offered for free but has several add-ons or extra features offered for a fee.
- When choosing your tax software, consider the OS compatibility, included features, and whether or not your tax situation is too complicated for the product to support.
What to look for in free tax software in Canada
Not all free tax software is created equal. And if you're choosing to file online, you'll want to be extra cautious about security.
Here are some things you should consider when choosing the tax software you want to use:
- It must be NETFILE compatible: This is the most important detail to consider. If the software isn’t NETFILE-certified, the CRA will likely not accept your file.
- Ease of use: Especially if you're new to using this type of software, look for an option with step-by-step instructions, or at least one that offers extensive how-to videos.
- OS compatibility: It won't do you much good to use a software option that's only available for Windows devices if you're a Mac user, or vice versa.
- Which features are included: Just because a software says it's free to use doesn't mean all features are free. Check if features or add-ons require payment.
- Comfort level vs. available support: You don't want to get stuck on a problem and be unable to reach a help desk, especially if you're a brand new tax software user.
- Your personal tax situation: If you're self-employed or are a landlord with rental income, for instance, you'll want to be sure that your chosen software can support this information.
To read more about how to file your taxes online with NETFILE-certified software, view this guide from the CRA.
Best free tax software: An overview
Here’s an overview of the features and services you’ll get from our top picks for best free software in Canada:
| Winner | Best for | Is it fully free? | OS compatibility | Languages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wealthsimple Tax | Covering a variety of tax scenarios | * Choose the Basic plan for a donation of your choice (even $0) * Upgrade to Plus or Pro for features like email support and audit protection | * PC/MAC: Check browser compatibility * iOS 14.0 or later * Android 7.1 or later | * English * French |
| TurboTax | Guaranteed accuracy | * Free for simple returns * Free upgrade to a higher tier if you’re 25 or younger | * TurboTax Desktop: Windows 10 or later * TurboTax Online: Check browser compatibility * Mobile app: iOS & Android | * English * French |
| H&R Block | Those who want a reputable company name | * $0 for a simple return * Upgrade for features like personalized tax saving suggestions, claiming employment expenses or rental property income expenses | * Windows 7, 8.1, 10 * Mac 10.9–10.13 * Online version: Check browser compatibility * Mobile app: iOS 11.x or higher; Android 7.x or higher | * English * French |
| CloudTax | Unlimited free support | * Fully free for a basic package; including more complex tax situations * Upgrade for unlimited customer support & audit protection | * Browser-based * Mobile app: Android 6.0 or higher; iOS 13.0 or higher | * English |
| UFile | Students or first-time filers | * Free if you’re a student, it’s your first time filing, or your income is less than $20,000 a year * Free for simple returns with standard credits | * Online version: Compatible with any browser * Software: Windows 10 or 11 | * English * French |
| GenuTax | Being completely free | * Standard filing is completely free, although donations are welcome | * Windows 7 (SP1), 8.1, 10, or 11 | * English |
| AdvTax | Non-English speakers | * Free for low-income filers * Some paid filers may be randomly granted a free return | * Browser-based | * English * French * Chinese |
| StudioTax | Those who live in the Canadian territories | * Free if you live in the Northwest Territories, Yukon, or Nunavut * Free if you make less than $20,000 a year | * Windows: 10; 11 * Mac OS X 10.15 – 15 * Android 7.1 or higher; not supported on Chromebook * iOS 11.0 or higher | * English * French |
1. Best free tax software for covering a variety of tax scenarios: Wealthsimple Tax
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.
- 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
- Support is through email only
- There is no app
- Limit of 20 returns per account
- Canadian citizen
- Maximum refund guarantee
- RRSP calculator
- Auto-fill available
- Always
Instead of requiring payment, Wealthsimple Tax simply (pun intended) asks for a donation, so what you pay is completely up to you – but customer support may be lacking.
Wealthsimple Tax pros:
- Completely free – donations are optional
- 100% accuracy guarantee – if you re-file with another software option and get a better refund, Wealthsimple Tax will give you back what you paid to file, up to $50
- It can handle a wide range of tax scenarios (even calculating your crypto taxes) and guides you step-by-step through the process.
- Easy to use for newbies, comfortable for more experienced users
Wealthsimple Tax cons:
- Limited customer support options
- No option for a tax expert to review your return
Learn more at their website: Wealthsimple Tax
2. Best free tax software for guaranteed accuracy: TurboTax
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.
- Import options
- Real-time refund / owed amount
- Easy online filing
- Instant confirmation, fast refunds
- 4 guarantees to help you feel secure
- Good security practices
- Standard $20.99 price tag
- Canadian citizen
- Maximum refund guarantee
- Auto-fill available
- Promo: Get up to 20% off your TurboTax purchase
- Have a simple return
- Comes with limited features
TurboTax has multiple levels of service and offers a total of 6 service guarantees, including a "100% Accurate Calculations Guarantee" and an "Audit Support Guarantee."
TurboTax pros:
- Multiple accuracy and satisfaction guarantees
- Easy to use, step-by-step process
- Searches for more than 400 deductions and credits for you
- Provides automatic tax calculations
TurboTax cons:
- Limited customer service support options
- Not great for complicated tax situations
Learn more at their website: TurboTax
3. Best free tax software for those who want a reputable company name: H&R Block
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.
- 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
- Limited free support
- Free version is quite basic
- File online or in-person
- Accuracy guarantee
- Self-employed tax package
H&R Block has operated in Canada for 55 years and provides three options for tax software – one of which is completely free, with no income restrictions, easy importation of tax slips and RRSP info, and a handy calculator to automatically keep track of your return total. The lack of customer support options is frustrating, as is the fact that it's not really suitable for more complex tax situations.
H&R Block Block pros:
- Reputable, reliable industry name
- Under 25 always file for free
- Plenty of packages and add-ons to choose from
- No income restrictions
H&R Block Block cons:
- Limited customer service support for free package
- Doesn't support complicated tax situations
Learn more at their website: H&R Block
4. Best free tax software for getting unlimited free support: CloudTax
CloudTax provides a choice for its users: pay a fee and get extra features, or stick with the free, more basic software version. But free or paid, you'll still receive excellent customer service support, access to handy video tutorials, and opportunities to contact service representatives via online chat, phone, or email. Anyone located in Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, or Quebec, is out of luck, though, as CloudTax isn't available in those areas.
CloudTax pros:
- Autofill capabilities
- Can be accessed via a mobile device or with a web browser
- Detailed explainer videos
- Excellent customer service options
CloudTax cons:
- Not available in YT, NWT, NU, or QC
- Self-employment income and rental income aren't supported
Learn more at their website: CloudTax
$75 GeniusCash + Unlimited transactions for $0 + Ding-free non-affiliated ATM usage.
$25 GeniusCash + $50 bonus for funding a new account, and $0 commissions on stocks & ETFs
$12 GeniusCash + Access trusted news coverage 24/7 + Digital and home subscription options.
$25 GeniusCash + Delicious meal choices with fresh ingredients + Front-door delivery.5. Best free tax software for students or first-time filers: UFile
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.
- Free in many cases
- Triple accuracy guarantee
- Express notice of assessment
- Available in Quebec
- Choice to store information offline
- Not free for everyone
- UFile Online uses cloud storage
- No chat support
- No mobile app
- Can no longer import tax files from TurboTax.
- Canadian citizen
- Have a simple return
- Be a student
- Have income below $20,000
UFile pros:
- Triple guarantee covers accuracy, satisfaction, and "Best Tax Result"
- Free for a wide range of users
- Free online support
- Autofill capabilities using data from your My CRA account
UFile cons:
- No phone support
- Not free for everyone
Learn more at their website: UFile Online
6. Best free tax software for being completely free: GenuTax
GenuTax is free tax software for everyone, all the time. There aren't any income restrictions, no geographical limitations, and it can handle most tax situations – there aren't even any paid add-ons. But GenuTax isn't the most user-friendly software option as it's only compatible with Windows 7 or higher and isn't available at all for Mac users.
GenuTax pros:
- Can prepare and file up to 20 returns at once
- Able to complete returns for any year between and including 2003 and 2020
- View your Notice of Assessment (NOA) immediately after filing
- Easy, step-by-step guided process
GenuTax cons:
- It can take up to two business days to get a response from their email support, which is the only support option available
- Doesn't support Form T1134 or any Quebec provincial income tax returns
Learn more at their website: GenuTax Multiyear Tax Software
7. Best free tax software for non-English speakers: AdvTax
Canada is an exceptionally multicultural country, and AdvTax recognizes this by providing its free tax software in English, French, and Chinese. All Canadian territories and provinces are supported, it can handle a variety of complicated tax situations, and there's even an integrated checklist that helps you identify any information you might be missing. It's not the most aesthetically pleasing software option, but it gets the job done.
AdvTax pros:
- Available in three different languages
- Claims to be able to complete and file a variety of tax scenarios in 10 minutes or less
- Integrated tax calculator
- Integrated checklist
AdvTax cons:
- Not a very attractive interface
- Very few customization options
Learn more at their website: AdvTax
8. Best free tax software for those who live in the Canadian territories: StudioTax
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.
- Offers an offline experience
- Available in all provinces, including Quebec
- Can handle both simple and complex tax situations
- Free tax software for certain individuals
- The outdated look could be confusing
- Limit of 20 returns
- Canadian citizen
- Completely offline
- Support for some complex tax situations
- Make less than $20,000
- Live in the territories (NU, YT, NT)
Tax software from StudioTax is free for residents of the Canadian territories and for anyone with an annual income under $20,000. But if you live in another province or if your situation doesn't fit within these parameters, you'll have to pay $15 to file.
StudioTax pros:
- Free for all residents of the Canadian territories
- Supports self-employment and rental income situations
- Express NOA feature
- Can choose to use either online or offline
StudioTax cons:
- Must pay $15 to print off your return
- Can’t import last year’s return created by another tax program
Learn more at their website: StudioTax
FAQ
What is the best free tax software in Canada?
The best free tax software in Canada will be the one that best suits your individual needs. However, Wealthsimple Tax offers some of the best services and support for the largest variety of needs and tax scenarios.
Are the options for free online tax software in Canada available in all provinces and territories?
Some free software products aren't available in Quebec, the territories, and/or both. StudioTax is an excellent choice for residents of the territories, and while many tax software products offer French translations, AdvTax provides plenty of translation options.
Which is the best choice for free tax software if I live in Quebec?
It's hard to say which of the other free options is best for Quebec residents as each person has their own unique needs, but we think that Wealthsimple Tax and TurboTax are solid choices.
Is TurboTax Canada Free Safe?
Yes, TurboTax is very safe to use. It's NETFILE approved, which means your data will be kept secure and shared only with the CRA. It offers six guarantees to confirm its calculations are correct and your information is safe.
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