Tax Software

[Keebler Elf]

Just thought I'd let my fellow TERBites know that I used both Ufile and StudioTax to prepare my taxes this year and both came out with almost identical results (my refund was within 2 cents on both programs).

Ufile costs $15.95 (still cheaper than Quick Tax) and can be done completely online (no need to download/install anything).

Studio Tax is completely free (!!!) and requires downloading/installing a small file.

Both allow electronic filing through Netfile. Ufile has more options like Quick Tax, but for simple returns Studio Tax does the trick.

After Quick Tax increased its price and reduced the number of returns, I was a little peeved and decided to look elsewhere. Ufile is the first place I went but after Studio Tax produced the same results, I think I'm going to submit with the latter. Fuck Quick Tax.

Here are the links:

http://ufile.ca/

http://www.studiotax.com/en/main.htm

 

[Horney_Senior]

I used the installed version of Ufile this year. In the past I have used Quick Tax.

Ufile came in 2 version - 8 returns for $20.00 or 16 returns for $30.00. Since I do a lot of returns for family and friends it was a good bargain.

I also do a few returns that have information for small business. Ufile had all the correct forms, but QuickTax made changes this year that would have required a far more expensive package ($80.00) that would only allow 2 returns with income over $25,000. A rip-off.

Another feature I liked about Ufile was the ability to create a PDF file of the finished return. It's much nicer than printing piles of paper for a copy, especially when it's for somebody else.

 

[Keebler Elf]

Another feature I liked about Ufile was the ability to create a PDF file of the finished return. It's much nicer than printing piles of paper for a copy, especially when it's for somebody else.

That is a good feature. Better than scanning to pdf. I'll have to see if Studio Tax can do that.

 

[Horney_Senior]

Keep in mind that I'm using the installed software, not the web version.

 

[Hobbyer]

mytaxexpress is also an option. $6.99 for 1 return, $13.99 for 10 (download only, slightly more if you want the CD shipped). Has PDF feature and obviously NETFILE. The website says the 10 limit is new as CCRA doesn't allow more. I've been using it for 3 years now.

http://www.mytaxexpress.com

 

[dreamer]

If a tax package, or any software for that matter, does not print to PDF you can always install a PDF printer and just select it like you would select any printer.

I use Bullzip PDF printer at home and PDF Creator in my office.

 

[Horney_Senior]

mytaxexpress is also an option. $6.99 for 1 return, $13.99 for 10 (download only, slightly more if you want the CD shipped). Has PDF feature and obviously NETFILE. The website says the 10 limit is new as CCRA doesn't allow more. I've been using it for 3 years now.

http://www.mytaxexpress.com

Interesting. Quicktax says the limit is 20 as limited by CCRA. That limit is 'per PC', so I suppose if you had enough licenses you could create files that can be netfiled from other PCs.

 

[bornonaug9]

Limit of 20 returns

From cra

Limit of 20 returns

NETFILE is an electronic filing service that taxpayers can use to file their own personal income tax and benefit return with the CRA. To protect the integrity of this service, the CRA has set a limit of 20 returns that can be prepared with a NETFILE-certified tax preparation software. The limit may help prevent some tax preparation service providers from using NETFILE. Software developers must respect this limit to be certified for NETFILE.

The CRA has determined that a limit of 20 returns, whether printed or filed using NETFILE, is appropriate and sufficient for a NETFILE software product. This will allow even a large family to share one software product to prepare and file their tax returns. If your tax return is being prepared and filed by a tax preparation service provider, do not provide him or her with your access code. There is a separate service for those who prepare and electronically file taxes on behalf of others, which is called EFILE. This service requires users to sign-in with their own user ID and password. They do not require your access code. Before they can file on your behalf, they need your authorization. Please sign Form T183, Information Return for Electronic Filing of an Individual's Income Tax and Benefit Return, to give authorization. This form does not give authorization for someone to file on your behalf using NETFILE.

 

[K Douglas]

Quicktax is a rip off this year. I've used it since it first came out and it would let you prepare 6 returns of income over $25,000 and unlimited returns under $25,000. Now you only get 2 returns over $25,000 and 18 returns under. The price remained the same. Needless to say I won't be using it anymore. Greedy bastards at Intuit!

 

[Radio_Shack]

I also used studio tax this year. Very cool indeed. I have used Quicktax and UFile in previous years. I am now a StudioTax believer. For free, who can complain.

 

[Horney_Senior]

Quicktax is a rip off this year. I've used it since it first came out and it would let you prepare 6 returns of income over $25,000 and unlimited returns under $25,000. Now you only get 2 returns over $25,000 and 18 returns under. The price remained the same. Needless to say I won't be using it anymore. Greedy bastards at Intuit!

Actually, the price didn't quite remain the same. The 'Standard' edition at $39.99 used to do small business income. Now you have to buy the 'Small Business' edition at $79.99 and it still has those other limits as noted above.

 

[dreamer]

Not that I'd ask my son . . . but has ANYONE figured out how to deduct hobbying expenses?

Start a website like terb, ie profit motivated, and write reviews, and make sure you get a receipt