Filing your taxes online? What program will you choose?
As the filing deadline approaches, most of us are thinking about getting our taxes done quickly and, increasingly, that means going online.
Not that there are a lot of early adapters when it comes time to settle up.
In fact, only about 56% of tax returns were filed online last year. That leaves close to half of the population either using pen and paper, or the automated telephone method, Telefile.
The CRA would rather you file online than mail in your return because it saves them a fortune in data processing fees. And, if you’re expecting a refund, it will certainly speeds things up.
Online tax offerings have no software installation hassles and don’t change anything on your computer since hook up through an Internet browser like Internet Explorer or Firefox.
So do you opt for a one-shot web browser (about $10 per return although there are several free options) via the Canada Revenue Agency's NetFile program or do you shell out a bit more for one of NetFile-capable tax prep packages (around $35 with lots of coupons floating around) that can be downloaded onto your home computer?
There is, of course, no shortage of either....
Windows:
AceTax, easyCTax, eTaxCanada, FutureTax 2010, GenuTax Standard, H & R Block At Home, Impôt Professionnel, myTaxExpress, StudioTax 2010, TaxFreeway, Taxnic, Taxtron, TurboTax (previously QuickTax), UDoTaxes 2010, UFile
Web applications:
5dollarTax, AceTax Online, EachTax.com, easyCTax, eTaxCanada Online, FileTaxOnline.ca, H & R Block At Home, MBOTax, TaxChopper 2010 from CuteTax, Taxnic.ca, TurboTax (previously QuickTax), UFile Online, WebTax4U.ca
What’s your experience? Have you found one program to be superior to the others? Have you encountered problems that others might like to hear about?
By Gordon Powers, MSN Money
Posted by: Philip M. Belding | Mar 30, 2021 9:12:36 AM
Please send me any information please as to helping me file my taxes online as well as to what might be the easiest one to choose and the best one. I am somewhat disabled and do have a problem getting around town.Thank you.
Posted by: Naz | Mar 30, 2021 9:38:54 AM
I have been using Ufile for the past 7 years and have had no issue with it. It also costs less than Quick Tax (Turbo Tax) which I used before and did not see any difference in the quality.
Posted by: satisfied | Mar 30, 2021 9:44:31 AM
TurboTax is an established name and easy to use.
Posted by: prosperous | Mar 30, 2021 9:58:56 AM
StudioTax 2010 is very easy to use and is FREE!!
Posted by: bill | Mar 30, 2021 11:28:19 AM
Why does CRA not provide a income tax software program. They spend millions on the paper version but do not provide a software version.
Posted by: linda | Mar 30, 2021 12:26:56 PM
I always used Quick Tax now Turbo Tax. Easy to use and inexpensive. will use it every year
Posted by: Vicki | Mar 30, 2021 1:15:33 PM
I've used Future Tax. You download it online. It's very safe and have never experienced any problems with it. It costs $5.99/return, $7.99/2 returns.
Posted by: Alan Reid | Mar 30, 2021 2:54:41 PM
I have used QuickTax (now TurboTax) for many years, virtually from its inception. I started off with Cantax, to the best of my older memory, and continued with QuickTax. I find it relatively easy to use, I am familiar with it, and will most likely continue to use it in the future. I used it for both Corporate and Incorporated business and personal returns.
Posted by: clet | Mar 30, 2021 4:29:59 PM
TurboTax allows students, low income individuals, law enforcement, and I think some others, to file for free.
Posted by: Gerry | Mar 30, 2021 5:07:05 PM
If cost is an issue go to a clinic for seniors and low-income earners. They'll do your return for free and sent it online. There are also several free web-based aplications you can use.
Posted by: Contrarian Ontarian | Mar 30, 2021 5:20:44 PM
I am a fan of Futuretax. I used it last year and again this year. For under $7.00 including tax for an individual, the value cannot be beaten. The helpdesk is exactly that.
I recommend this online software. I am no techy, and even I could use it. It almost makes Tax Time enjoyable.
Posted by: John | Mar 30, 2021 7:34:33 PM
I have used UFile for the past four years without problems - it is half the price of TurboTax but produced by the same company (Intuit). Why pay Intuit double for the same product?!
Posted by: online tax | Mar 30, 2021 9:48:53 PM
Well, this program is really very helpful to everyone for getting online tax very quick. Thanks for this useful guideline.
Posted by: Lilian | Mar 30, 2021 10:55:03 PM
Ii just discovered Studioi Tax 2010 and filed my taxes today and it was easy to use.
It is FREE............so why pay for something when you can save yourself a few dollars.
Good luck.
Posted by: Michael | Mar 31, 2021 1:17:12 PM
Studio Tax rules, those people supply the finest product! The price is 'sooo' right - whatever you wish to donate. Beats the all the others hand down.
Posted by: Chip | Mar 31, 2021 5:46:05 PM
Until the CRA charges me LESS on my taxes for filing 'em online... they'll still get the paper trail. Why should I save the government money ? So they can send more of my tax $$$ to some 3rd world countries, hike up my hydro, water, gas and other utility and food costs and sell off the extra electricity, natural gas and oil to the USA for half the price I pay ? Screw that !!
Posted by: Jode | Apr 1, 2021 8:56:06 AM
I do tax returns for friends as well as for the Volunteer Program so over the last 10 years I've used both TurboTax (Quick Tax) and UFile. UFile is what the Volunteer Program uses. I also prefer it because 1. it's cheaper 2. I find it's easier to switch between forms/data entry/family members.
Posted by: Karen | Apr 1, 2021 12:36:12 PM
I prefer UFile because it is a Canadian product and is as easy to use as QuickTax ( TurboTax). Also, UFile's pricing seems more fair. I do not have to pay more for a product that can do everything I need to do my taxes.
Posted by: Jason | Apr 15, 2021 3:36:11 PM
I found AceTax to be the best tax software for Canadians! It's reasonably priced and is fast and easy to use! I was done with 2 return in less than half an hour. It is NETFILE certified so no worries with errors and stuff.
Posted by: Jason | Apr 15, 2021 3:37:26 PM
www.fredsoft.ca/acetax/