Tax Software

Choose tax software with more confidence.

Compare Canadian tax software for simple returns, self-employed income, investments, rentals, and family filing needs — with a clearer view of pricing, platform, and fit.

Compare Software Learn the Basics
NETFILE-focused choices Free and paid options Beginner-friendly guidance
Learn the basics Choose the right fit Compare software After you file FAQ
Learn the basics

How to choose the best tax software for your return

The best product depends less on hype and more on your return type. A simple T4 return, self-employed income, rental income, and investment-heavy filing often need different levels of support.

1

Match the software to your return

Start with your actual filing needs instead of choosing a platform just because it is popular.

2

Compare the real pricing model

Some platforms are free for simple returns, while others use paid tiers or pay-what-you-want models.

3

Look at workflow and support

Auto-fill, guided questions, error checks, and support options can matter as much as price.

Price

Free can be great for simple filing. Paid tiers may be worth it for more complex returns.

CRA Auto-fill

Importing slips can reduce manual entry and lower the chance of mistakes.

Complex return support

Self-employed, rental, and investment-heavy returns often need stronger guidance.

Help and review tools

Audit support, expert access, and extra checks can matter if your return is less straightforward.

A good tax software decision is usually about fit, not just brand. The right product is the one that makes your filing easier, clearer, and less error-prone for your specific situation.
Choose the right fit

Which type of filer are you?

Start with the use case that looks most like your own return. That will usually narrow the right software faster than comparing everything at once.

Simple return

Good fit for T4 income, basic slips, students, and first-time filers who mostly want a smooth, low-cost workflow.

Self-employed

Look for stronger support around business expenses, self-employed income, and guided workflows for more complex filing.

Investors

If you have investment income, capital gains, or multiple slips, compare products that handle those details more comfortably.

Families

Multi-return support, spouse optimization, and dependent-related credits can make a meaningful difference here.

A simple rule: if your return has more moving parts, prioritize guidance, form support, and error checking over just picking the cheapest option.
Compare software

Compare Canada’s top tax software options

Compare software for simple returns, self-employed income, investments, rentals, and family filing needs. Focus on price, platform, ease of use, and the type of return each product handles best.

TurboTax Self-Employed
TurboTax (Intuit)
Self-Employed / Premium Online & Desktop
Price
$69.99+
Paid plans
Platform
Online & Desktop
How you file
Best for
Self-Employed / Premium
Use case
Ratings
4.6
Our score
File Now
"Killer" guidance for business income
Finds industry-specific deductions
Year-round expense tracking
What stands out
  • "Killer" guidance for business income
  • Finds industry-specific deductions
  • Year-round expense tracking
  • Includes audit support
Things to keep in mind
  • Most expensive option on the market
  • Can be "over-engineered" for simple side-gigs
TurboTax Free
TurboTax (Intuit)
Free Filing (Simple Returns) Online & Mobile
Price
Free
For simple returns
Platform
Online & Mobile
How you file
Best for
Free Filing (Simple Returns)
Use case
Ratings
4.4
Our score
File Now
100% free for "simple" returns
"Killer" brand trust and recognition
"Super-smart" mobile app
What stands out
  • 100% free for "simple" returns
  • "Killer" brand trust and recognition
  • "Super-smart" mobile app
  • Auto-fills from CRA
Things to keep in mind
  • Strictly for "simple" returns (no self-employed)
  • "Dumbly" tries to upsell to paid plans
  • "Assist & Review" costs extra
H&R Block Online
H&R Block
Free & Paid Tiers Online & Desktop
Price
Free & Paid
Tiers available
Platform
Online & Desktop
How you file
Best for
Free & Paid Tiers
Use case
Ratings
4.3
Our score
File Now
Free option is "data-rich" (handles more than TurboTax Free)
Option to get "super pro" help from a Tax Expert
Physical branches for in-person support
What stands out
  • Free option is "data-rich" (handles more than TurboTax Free)
  • Option to get "super pro" help from a Tax Expert
  • Physical branches for in-person support
Things to keep in mind
  • Interface is not as "super-smart" as Wealthsimple
  • "Protection" (audit support) costs extra
After you file

Put your refund to work

A refund can be a useful starting point for investing. Compare platforms and see whether a robo-advisor fits your goals.

Compare Robo-Advisors
Read: How to Start Investing in Canada
Read: How Tax Refunds Work in Canada
Tax-efficient saving

Start with a TFSA or compare RRSP vs TFSA

Filing season often leads naturally into the next question: where should your extra money go next?

Explore TFSA Platforms RRSP vs TFSA Beginner Guide
Year-round planning

Use tax season to improve your money system

Budgeting, savings goals, and better financial organization can make next year’s filing easier too.

Open Budget Planner Personal Finance Hub
FAQ

Tax software questions, answered simply

Clear answers to common questions about filing online in Canada, including pricing, NETFILE, Auto-fill, and more complex return types.

Often yes, especially for simple returns. But some platforms reserve more advanced forms, expert help, or broader support for paid tiers, so it is worth checking what is included before you start.

NETFILE certification means the software is approved for filing electronically with the CRA. That matters because it helps confirm the product meets CRA requirements for secure submission.

Paid software can make sense when your return is more complex, such as self-employed income, rental income, investment activity, or situations where you want stronger guidance or support.

CRA Auto-fill can import certain slips and information from your CRA account. It can save time and reduce manual entry errors, which makes it useful for many filers.

Security varies by provider, but it is reasonable to look for features like strong account protection, encryption, NETFILE certification, and clear explanations of privacy and data handling.

In those cases, it is worth focusing on software that handles more complex forms and offers better workflow support, rather than choosing only by the lowest price.

Many products support family or spouse filing, but the number of included returns and the way optimization works can vary. That is another good thing to compare before choosing.