In 2025, Canadians can file their taxes for free using top-rated software like Wealthsimple Tax, TurboTax Free, H&R Block, and UFile Free. These platforms offer easy-to-use interfaces, CRA Auto-fill, and NETFILE certification for fast and secure submissions. Whether you have simple or more complex returns, these options are perfect for saving time and money this…
Did you know that the average Canadian family now spends approximately $46,988 annually in taxes, making taxes the largest household expense? This amount exceeds the combined costs of housing, food, and clothing, which total $38,930. And while that number continues to rise with inflation, many families still spend hundreds of additional dollars on professional tax preparation, especially when dealing with complex returns involving RRSPs, medical expenses, charitable donations, or moving costs.
Between gathering receipts and understanding which deductions apply, filing taxes can quickly become overwhelming. That’s why more Canadians are turning to online tax software to file their own returns quickly, accurately, and—best of all—affordably. With dozens of options now available, how do you know which platform is right for your specific tax situation?
We’ve created this updated 2025 guide to the best free tax software in Canada to help you choose the right platform—saving you time, money, and stress this tax season.
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Filing taxes used to be something only the most experienced accountants could handle. But with advancements in tax software technology, Canadians can now easily file their returns online, either for free or at an affordable cost. The key benefits of using tax software include:
1. Ease of Use: Tax software has become extremely user-friendly, allowing Canadians of all backgrounds to file their taxes without professional help. Most platforms provide step-by-step guides and simple interfaces to make the process as easy as possible, even for those who are new to filing taxes.
2. Maximized Refunds: Many of the top tax software options automatically optimize your tax return by finding applicable tax credits and deductions that you might have missed otherwise. This ensures you get the highest refund possible, which is crucial when your hard-earned money is on the line.
3. Cost-Effective: While many Canadians choose to hire tax professionals to handle their filings, the associated fees can add up quickly—especially if you have a more complex return. Tax software provides a cost-effective alternative that can save you hundreds of dollars in tax preparation fees.
4. Accuracy and Efficiency: Tax software also helps eliminate human errors by automatically filling in forms, calculating numbers, and double-checking everything before submission. This reduces the likelihood of costly mistakes and minimizes the chances of being audited by the CRA. Additionally, you can file directly through NETFILE, a secure service provided by the CRA that allows individuals to submit their returns online.
5. Security and Confidentiality: Security is always a priority when filing taxes, especially since personal financial information is involved. Trusted tax software providers use encryption technologies to protect your data. Some platforms also offer two-factor authentication to further safeguard your return.
How to Choose the Best Tax Software for Your Needs
Choosing the best tax software depends on several factors:
1. Your Filing Situation: Start by considering your specific tax situation. Do you have a simple tax return, or do you need to report self-employment income, rental income, or investment income? If you’re a first-time filer, look for software that is user-friendly and offers good customer support. If you’re self-employed or have more complex tax needs, look for software that offers specialized features for business income or rental properties.
2. Cost vs. Features: While most tax software platforms offer free options for simple returns, you may need to upgrade to a paid version if you have more complex tax needs. Paid versions typically offer additional features such as live chat support, automatic optimization of deductions, and more advanced reporting for self-employed or business income.
3. Support Options: Support is crucial, especially if you’re unfamiliar with tax filing. Many platforms offer live chat, phone support, or even in-person consultations (in the case of H&R Block). If you prefer self-service options, look for platforms that offer step-by-step guides and video tutorials.
4. Security Features: Security should always be a top concern when filing taxes. Choose software that uses encryption to protect your personal information. Look for two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security. NETFILE-compatible platforms are also an important consideration since NETFILE is a secure service provided by the CRA.
8 Best Free Tax Software Options for 2025
With the amount of consumer-grade technology available to Canadians, it should be easy to narrow down the perfect tax preparation and filing service. Alright, that's enough for the introduction. Let's dive into the best free tax software in Canada for 2025.
Wealthsimple Tax continues to dominate the Canadian tax software market in 2025 due to its incredibly user-friendly interface and flexible pricing. Unlike traditional tax filing tools that charge upfront or upsell users to premium tiers, Wealthsimple Tax operates on a pay-what-you-can model, which means you can file your return completely free and only tip if you’re satisfied. It’s web-based and works seamlessly across devices, which is great for filing on the go.
What makes Wealthsimple Tax especially appealing is its ability to handle both simple and moderately complex tax situations with ease, including crypto transactions, self-employment income, and investment gains. The software provides real-time calculations and automatic optimization to help you get the best return. While it doesn’t offer live support, the ease of use and clean design often eliminate the need for assistance. It's best for users who are comfortable filing on their own and want full functionality without a price tag.
Key Features:
Flexible Payment Structure: Unlike traditional paid software, Wealthsimple Tax allows you to pay as little or as much as you want. This makes it one of the most accessible options available, especially for individuals or families on a tight budget.
CRA Auto-Fill: Wealthsimple Tax allows you to automatically pull your tax information from the CRA’s database, saving you the trouble of manually entering everything.
Tax Optimization: It automatically identifies tax credits and deductions you may be eligible for, ensuring you get the maximum refund possible.
Compatibility: It’s web-based, meaning you can access it from any device, including smartphones, making it perfect for those who need to file on the go.
Pros:
User-friendly interface
Completely free to use with optional tips
Handles more complex returns (e.g., investments, self-employment)
TurboTax has been a household name in tax preparation for years, and its 2025 edition reinforces its reputation with intuitive design and broad functionality. The free version is perfect for simple returns, including employment income, RRSP contributions, and basic tax credits. It offers helpful step-by-step guidance, pre-filled data imports directly from CRA (through Auto-Fill My Return), and prompts to make sure nothing is missed. While advanced features like support for rental income, investments, or self-employment require upgrading to paid plans, the basic version is quite robust.
TurboTax’s interface is designed with clarity in mind, making it suitable for new filers or those unsure of the tax process. It's also one of the few tools with a mobile app that matches the desktop experience, ideal for users who prefer filing from a phone or tablet. Overall, TurboTax Free is an excellent option for anyone looking for a reliable platform with upgrade potential if your tax situation becomes more complex.
Key Features:
Step-by-Step Guidance: TurboTax’s interface takes you through each section of the tax form in a logical order. It’s perfect for individuals who aren’t familiar with the tax process and need clear, concise instructions.
Auto-Fill My Return: Similar to Wealthsimple Tax, TurboTax offers a feature that auto-fills your information directly from the CRA, which saves a lot of time.
Refund Tracker: TurboTax allows you to track your refund’s status directly through the platform.
Compatibility: It’s available on both desktop and mobile, with seamless syncing between devices.
Pros:
Intuitive user interface
Reliable refund tracking
Great for first-time users and those with basic tax needs
High level of security with CRA Auto-Fill integration
Cons:
More complex tax situations require an upgrade to paid versions
Free version limited to simple tax situations (T4, RRSPs, etc.)
H&R Block’s online tax software in 2025 combines the convenience of digital filing with the reassurance of in-person support. The free version is best for standard returns (T4 income, dependents, RRSPs, etc.), and like TurboTax, more advanced scenarios require a paid upgrade. What makes H&R Block stand out is the hybrid support model—if you get stuck while filing online, you can walk into one of their physical locations or opt for their paid “Assistance” service. The interface is easy to follow, with helpful knowledge base articles and checklists along the way.
For people who are filing solo but still like having expert help within reach, this platform offers a great middle ground. Their built-in audit protection and refund optimization also give peace of mind, especially for users with larger returns. It's ideal for families, employees with multiple T-slips, or anyone who may want the flexibility of professional help at tax time.
Key Features:
Hybrid Support: H&R Block provides online support during tax season, but also offers the option to visit one of their physical locations for in-person assistance.
Audit Protection: Their paid plans offer audit protection in case the CRA decides to review your return, providing peace of mind.
Live Chat: For users who upgrade to premium plans, live chat and phone support are available for more complex tax questions.
Mobile App: The H&R Block app is optimized for mobile, making it easy to file taxes on the go.
Pros:
Comprehensive support options (online and in-person)
Advanced tools for more complex tax situations
Great for individuals with multiple T-slips or complex investments
Security features like two-factor authentication
Cons:
Free version limited to basic tax scenarios
More expensive than other options for complex filings
4. UFile Free - Best for Students & Low-Income Filers
UFile continues to be a solid choice in 2025, especially for students, newcomers to Canada, and low-income earners. The free version is generous in its eligibility criteria, offering full-featured returns at no cost if you meet certain conditions. The interface is a bit more traditional and less sleek than newer competitors, but it's reliable and secure. UFile handles a variety of tax situations, including dependents, tuition, and multi-income households, and it walks users through their return with a structured interview-style format.
One standout feature is its long-standing reputation and accuracy guarantee—if your return is assessed differently by the CRA, UFile covers the difference (within limits). It’s a great tool for people filing their own taxes who still want the assurance of CRA-aligned calculations, but who may not be ready to jump into more modern-looking platforms. It's best suited for university students, seniors, and budget-conscious households.
Key Features:
Generous Free Filing: UFile is free for many eligible users, including students, low-income households, and those filing for the first time.
Wide Range of Supported Deductions: UFile supports a large number of tax deductions and credits, including tuition, medical expenses, and charitable donations.
Easy-to-Follow Interface: UFile’s simple interface is easy to navigate, making it a great option for new users.
Auto-Fill and Error Checking: UFile integrates with CRA Auto-Fill My Return and provides automatic error-checking to ensure that your return is accurate.
Pros:
Free for students and low-income households
Comprehensive tax credits and deductions supported
AdvTax isn’t the most visually appealing platform on the list, but it’s one of the most powerful—especially for experienced tax filers and small business owners. This 100% free desktop software (Windows only) offers complete functionality without limitations or upsells, including full support for self-employment income, capital gains, and complex deductions. It’s built more like traditional tax software, with detailed forms, manual entry options, and few pop-ups or prompts. That makes it ideal for users who understand Canadian tax forms and prefer greater control over their return.
The biggest drawback is the lack of modern design and limited user support, but if you’re confident navigating tax forms and want full capabilities for free, AdvTax is a strong contender. It also doesn’t store data online, which some users prefer for security reasons.
Key Features:
Desktop Software: AdvTax is downloadable software that does not require an internet connection once installed.
Supports Complex Returns: It supports a wide variety of tax situations, including self-employed individuals and those with rental income.
Comprehensive Tools: Users can manually enter data, making it a good choice for experienced tax filers.
No Hidden Fees: Unlike other software platforms, AdvTax is completely free with no hidden fees or upsells.
Pros:
Complete functionality without limits
Secure and offline (ideal for users who prefer not to store personal data in the cloud)
Full support for self-employment, rental income, and investments
GenuTax remains a favourite for households and individuals who want to file multiple returns in one place without incurring extra costs. Available only as a downloadable desktop application, it allows users to complete up to 20 returns per year—a huge benefit for families, landlords, or those helping others file. The software supports all major federal and provincial tax situations and includes tools for carry-forward amounts, spousal returns, and investment income.
While the interface may feel a bit dated, it’s logically laid out and includes an interview-style guide to walk you through your return. Because it’s not cloud-based, you’ll need to manage your own data backups and updates, but for many, the added control is worth it. GenuTax is best for larger households or those who file on behalf of others, such as elderly parents.
Key Features:
Multi-Year Filing: File for previous years, up to 20 returns.
CloudTax is a newer, fully web-based tax platform that’s gaining ground in Canada for its clean design and ease of use. The free version is ideal for simple tax scenarios: T4 income, RRSPs, tuition credits, and common deductions. It’s very beginner-friendly, with clear prompts and a modern layout that guides users step by step. The paid "Pro" tier offers access to live tax experts and additional support for complex cases, but many users won’t need to upgrade. What sets CloudTax apart is its mobile responsiveness, making it easy to file on a smartphone or tablet. It also offers cloud storage and CRA-linked auto-fill features. For those with straightforward tax needs and a preference for modern tools, CloudTax is a great choice in 2025.
Key Features:
Free Basic Returns: CloudTax offers free filing for most simple tax situations, making it ideal for students, salaried employees, or anyone without self-employment or rental income.
CRA Integration: It supports Auto-fill My Return, letting you securely import key tax data directly from your CRA account.
Cloud-Based Access: Since CloudTax is entirely web-based, it works smoothly on desktop, tablet, or mobile devices — perfect for busy Canadians who want flexibility.
Audit Protection (Pro version): Optional paid upgrade includes additional support and audit protection from a CRA-certified accountant.
T4 Snapshot Tool: A unique feature that lets users quickly scan and upload their T4 for instant processing — reducing manual entry errors.
Pros:
100% free option for basic returns
Clean, modern interface and simple navigation
CRA NETFILE certified
Optional paid version for complex returns and audit defense
Cons:
Limited live support unless you upgrade to CloudTax Pro
Free version doesn’t support self-employed or rental income
StudioTax is another strong option for offline filers who prefer to keep their data on their own devices. It’s completely free for personal use and has been CRA-certified for years, making it one of the most trusted free tax software solutions in the country. StudioTax supports virtually all Canadian tax scenarios, including employment, investment, rental, and self-employment income. It allows you to NETFILE directly to the CRA, and users love its no-frills reliability.
While the interface isn’t particularly modern, it’s functional and comprehensive. The program runs on both Windows and macOS, and regular updates ensure compatibility with the latest tax changes. This tool is best for people who are confident managing their taxes and who value security and independence over flashiness or customer support.
Key Features:
Offline Access: Available for Windows and macOS.
Auto-Fill My Return: Pulls data directly from CRA.
Multiple Return Support: File for family members as well.
Pros:
Ideal for experienced tax filers
Offline and desktop access
CRA NETFILE certified
Cons:
Not beginner-friendly
Limited support and outdated interface
What’s New for the 2025 Tax Season in Canada?
Each year, the CRA introduces new changes, updates, and credits that may impact how you file. Here’s what’s new or noteworthy for the 2025 tax season:
If you live in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, or Ontario, you’ll continue to receive the CAIP as a quarterly benefit, not a refund at tax time. However, you must still file your return to qualify, even if you have no income.
2. Changes to Work-from-Home Deductions
The temporary flat rate method ($2/day, up to $500) was not extended to 2024. As of now, only the detailed method remains for claiming home office expenses. That means you’ll need a T2200 or T2200S form from your employer to claim this deduction.
3. Increased Basic Personal Amount
For the 2024 tax year (filed in 2025), the basic personal amount has increased to $15,705, meaning you don’t pay federal tax on the first $15,705 of income.
4. Enhanced First-Time Home Buyers’ Credit
First-time home buyers can now claim a non-refundable tax credit of up to $1,500 (up from $750), thanks to an increased eligible amount of $10,000.
5. Tax-Free First Home Savings Account (FHSA)
New in 2023, the FHSA continues to be a key tax-saving tool in 2025. Contributions are tax-deductible, and withdrawals for qualifying home purchases are tax-free — a double benefit similar to RRSPs and TFSAs combined.
Tips for Filing Taxes Online in 2025
Use Auto-fill My Return: Most certified tax software connects with CRA to import slips directly into your return.
Double-check before filing: Even with great software, human oversight can help catch errors and maximize your refund.
Protect your data: Always use secure Wi-Fi and ensure the site URL starts with “https”.
File on time: The deadline to file your personal return (and pay any balance owed) is April 30, 2025.
Why NETFILE Certification Matters
Only CRA-certified software can submit your return electronically through NETFILE, Canada’s official tax return transmission service. Using NETFILE-approved software:
Sends your return directly to the CRA
Speeds up your refund – Most people receive theirs in under 10 business days
Ensures CRA compatibility and secure encryption
Lets you track your return status online via CRA My Account
CRA Certified Tax Software
While the above suggestions lay out some of the CRA Certified Tax Software, there are plenty more to choose from. The CRA has really come a long way in terms of making tax time easier for Canadians. Notably they separate the options into two groups:
Find a Free or Pay-What-You-Want Software
These are programs that kindly ask for a donation at the end of your filing session. Oftentimes the process was so simple, that most make a donation
TurboTax Free for Android - Certified Years: 2018 - 2022
CloudTax - Certified Years: 2018 - 2022
CloudTax for Android - Certified Years: 2018 - 2022
CloudTax for iPhone, iPad - Certified Years: 2018 - 2022
GenuTax Standard for Windows - Certified Years: 2017 - 2022
StudioTax for iPhone, iPad - Certified Years: 2019 - 2022
StudioTax for Android - Certified Years: 2019 - 2022
Paid Software with Free Offerings
Obviously some tax preparations are more complicated than others and for that reason, there are paid software programs that offer free perks. These are usually dependant on individual tax situations or income levels.
Wealthsimple Tax and TurboTax Free are two of the best options in 2025. Both offer user-friendly platforms and CRA integration. Wealthsimple Tax is especially powerful for complex situations like self-employment or crypto income.
Yes. While you don’t need to send them with your return, you must keep receipts for six years in case the CRA requests them for review.
File Your Taxes Online with the Best Tax Return Software
With tax season around the corner, it’s essential to choose the right software to maximize your refund and minimize stress. The best free tax software in Canada for 2025 offers a wide range of features designed to suit different needs—whether you’re filing for the first time or managing a more complex return. Each of these platforms offers a solid combination of affordability, ease of use, and reliability, ensuring that your tax filing experience will be smooth and efficient.
Choose the software that best fits your tax situation and get ready to file your taxes with confidence!
Remember -- filing independently doesn't mean you have to figure it all out on your own. For more tax advice and guidance, check out the Insurdinary blog.
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