Canadian tax software - TurboTax versus StudioTax

[RetiredAt63]

I have used TurboTax the last few years.  I want software that is on my computer, not on someone else's server.  StudioTax is a free downloadable program with reasonably good reviews. If you have used it, how did you like it?

[swick]

I have used Studio tax for the past couple of years. It is really easy - although our taxes aren't that complicated.

The only thing to be aware of is is you have any special forms to fill out you have to grab them from a different tab and add them to your return - As an example it didn't automatically know that we were filing with an address that qualifies for Norther Living Allowance. Not sure if Turbo Tax would have either though. Good program through, for the price :)

[sieben]

Just to chime in, I just did my taxes with SimpleTax.ca. I was very happy with the experience. It's free, and I found it easier to use then TurboTax which I've used in previous years. It's ran by three yound Canadians and is in my opinion another great option.

[sleepyguy]

GF/SO swears by turbotax as she's used to it.  Also the price isn't too bad at $60 for the business version.

Our filings are a bit complicated, with a rental unit, home office, child care, personal business.  It's nice we have a cousin who is a CA who looks over our filings as well to see what needs correction.

[Zikoris]

I just filed with Studiotax last night as a matter of fact! I've been using it for two or three years now and like it. I find it really easy to use - it guides you through in a very step-by-step way. It also does a really good job of linking two returns (me and my boyfriend) in a way that is easy to read, which some programs seem not to. I got ours done start to finish in around 10-15 minutes last night.

I don't think there's really a right a wrong answer - everyone seems to have a tax program that they find easiest to use. Out of the options I've tried (Ufile, TurboTax, H&R Block, Studiotax, Simpletax, paper-and-pencil), I find Studiotax the best.

[Otsog]

Used Studiotax for the first time this year after multiple years of Turbotax.  I did them in Turbotax too just to make sure they came to the same amount. I have weird stuff too like the Northern Residents Deduction and Studiotax handeled everything fine, but I did have to know in advance to go to the form as I wasn't prompted for that deduction inparticular.

[rocketpj]

Never tried the other one, but I've been happy with Turbotax for many years.  I just recently melted my brain doing a corporate return with their stuff and it went ok - the problems were me, not the software.

[RetiredAt63]

SimpleTax is online, though?

Just to chime in, I just did my taxes with SimpleTax.ca. I was very happy with the experience. It's free, and I found it easier to use then TurboTax which I've used in previous years. It's ran by three yound Canadians and is in my opinion another great option.

[TorontoDeveloper]

Studiotax is not the most intuitive or prettiest piece of software I've used, but it's pretty good. I would recommend it as a free tool to file taxes.

I am interested in checking out SimpleTax this year, but as you note, that's online. Doesn't fit into your criteria.

[Retire-Canada]

Just finished using Turbo Tax. Been using it for years.

I've got my tax prep/filing pretty dialed with it so I hesitate to switch to something else.

Most of the people I know use an accountant to calculate their taxes so I feel pretty DIY with my Turbo Tax.

I'm still working so I'll stay the course, but once I FIRE and have more free time I'd be willing to try a free shareware tax package.

-- Vik