Is TurboTax really free Canada? As the tax season approaches, many people are wondering about this popular tax preparation software. With its easy accessibility and user-friendly interface, TurboTax has become a household name for Canadians during tax time. But the question is: Does it live up to its claim of being completely free? Well, the answer is both yes and no.
While TurboTax does offer a free version for individuals with simple tax returns, it has its limitations. The free version of TurboTax is only suitable for people who have basic tax situations and do not own any property or investments. If you own rental properties, have capital gains or losses, or have any complicated tax scenario, you will have to upgrade to a paid version. So, if you’re one of those people wondering, “Is TurboTax really free Canada?” the answer depends on your tax situation.
Despite its limitations, TurboTax still remains a popular choice among Canadians during tax season. Many people prefer the convenience of filing their taxes online from the comfort of their own homes, and TurboTax offers exactly that. With its step-by-step guidance and error-checking features, the software ensures that your tax return is as accurate as possible. So, while it may not be completely free for everyone, TurboTax is still worth considering for its ease-of-use and reliability.
TurboTax Free vs. Paid Version
If you are looking to prepare your taxes in Canada, you might be considering TurboTax, one of the most popular tax preparation software in the country. However, you might be wondering whether you should go with the free version or the paid version. In this section, we will go over the differences between TurboTax Free and TurboTax paid version, so you can make an informed decision.
- Price: The most obvious difference between the two versions is the price. TurboTax Free, as the name suggests, is free to use, while TurboTax paid version (also known as TurboTax Standard, TurboTax Premier, and TurboTax Self-Employed) comes with a fee, depending on the level of complexity of your tax situation. In general, the more income and deductions you have, the more expensive the paid version will be.
- Features: The free version of TurboTax is best suited for simple tax situations, such as those with only employment income, a few deductions, and no investments or self-employment income. On the other hand, the paid versions offer a wider range of features and can handle more complex tax scenarios, such as rental properties, foreign investments, and self-employment income. Each paid version also comes with additional guidance and support, such as phone or chat support from tax experts.
- User Experience: Another difference between TurboTax Free and the paid versions is the user experience. The free version has a simpler interface and guides you through the tax preparation process with fewer questions, while the paid versions have a more detailed and comprehensive interview process to ensure that you don’t miss any deductible expenses or credits.
In conclusion, whether you should go with TurboTax Free or the paid version ultimately depends on the complexity of your tax situation and your budget. If you have a simple tax situation and want to save money, TurboTax Free might be a good option for you. However, if your taxes are more complicated and you need additional support and guidance, one of the paid versions might be a better fit.
TurboTax Free Limitations
While TurboTax Free Canada is a popular choice for those looking to file their own taxes without breaking the bank, it’s important to be aware of its limitations before getting started.
- TurboTax Free is limited to basic tax returns – those without any investment or rental income, self-employment income, or capital gains or losses
- If you have any of the above types of income, you will need to upgrade to a paid TurboTax version (such as TurboTax Standard or TurboTax Premier)
- TurboTax Free is also limited in terms of its customer support options. While there is some online help available, there is no phone or in-person support for Free users
What You Can Do with TurboTax Free
Despite its limitations, TurboTax Free Canada can still be an effective tool for filing basic tax returns. For those without any of the income types mentioned above, TurboTax Free offers:
- Step-by-step guidance through the filing process
- Easy importing of your tax information from previous years
- The ability to file your return electronically and get your refund faster
Comparing TurboTax Free with Paid Versions
If you do have investment or rental income, or if you’re self-employed, upgrading to a paid version of TurboTax can offer a host of additional benefits. These may include:
- More detailed guidance through the filing process
- Access to more tax forms and schedules
- The ability to file multiple returns (for example, for a spouse or dependents)
- Expert support options such as phone or chat
| TurboTax Free | TurboTax Standard | TurboTax Premier | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $0 | $19.99 – $34.99 | $39.99 – $69.99 |
| Income Types Supported | Basic Only | Investment and Rental Income | Investment and Rental Income, Self-Employment Income |
| Expert Support | Online Only | Phone and Chat | Phone and Chat |
Overall, TurboTax Free Canada can be a great option for those with simple tax returns. However, if you have any income types beyond the basics, it may be worth upgrading to a paid version to ensure that you are getting the most accurate return and taking advantage of all available deductions.
Eligibility for TurboTax Free
One of the most common questions people have when it comes to TurboTax Free is who is actually eligible to use this service? While the name may imply that it’s open to anyone and everyone, there are actually certain criteria that must be met.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the factors that determine eligibility for TurboTax Free:
- Income level: Perhaps the most important factor is your income level. In Canada, individuals with a total income of $20,000 or less for the tax year are eligible for TurboTax Free. If your income exceeds this amount, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid version.
- Simple returns: TurboTax Free is designed for people with relatively simple tax returns. This means that if you have a more complex tax situation – for example, if you’re self-employed, have investment income, or own rental property – you may need a paid version to fully address your tax needs.
- Tax forms: You also need to check which tax forms are supported by the free version of TurboTax. If you need to file forms that aren’t supported, you’ll need to upgrade to the appropriate paid version.
It’s worth noting that the eligibility criteria for TurboTax Free may vary depending on the country or region you’re in. For example, in the US, the income threshold for TurboTax Free is $69,000 for the 2020 tax year.
To summarize, if your total income for the tax year is $20,000 or less and you have a relatively simple tax return, you should be eligible for TurboTax Free in Canada.
If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible for TurboTax Free, it’s always a good idea to check the TurboTax website or consult with a tax professional.
Conclusion
While TurboTax Free can be a great option for eligible users, it’s important to make sure you meet the criteria before getting started. By understanding the eligibility requirements and assessing your own tax situation, you can make an informed decision about whether to use TurboTax Free or upgrade to a paid version.
| Eligibility Criteria | Canada | US | Other countries/regions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income threshold | $20,000 or less | $69,000 or less (2020 tax year) | Varies |
| Complexity of tax return | Relatively simple | Relatively simple | Varies |
| Supported tax forms | Varies | Varies | Varies |
Overall, TurboTax Free is a valuable tool for eligible users looking to simplify their tax filing process.
Comparing TurboTax Free to Other Tax Software
When it comes to filing your tax returns, there are plenty of options out there. With so many choices, it can be tough to know which tax software is the best for you. To help you out, we’ve compared TurboTax Free to other tax software based on several factors:
- Availability of free version
- Accuracy of calculations
- User-friendly interface
- Customer service and support
- Cost of paid versions
Here’s how TurboTax Free stacks up against its competitors:
Availability of Free Version: TurboTax Free is one of the most popular tax software options available, and one of the reasons is that they offer a completely free version. Not all tax software companies offer a free version, so this can be a big selling point for TurboTax.
Accuracy of Calculations: Accuracy is key when it comes to tax software, and TurboTax has a good reputation for accuracy. In fact, they offer a 100% accuracy guarantee, so if you receive a penalty or interest due to a TurboTax calculation error, they will pay you the penalty and interest.
User-Friendly Interface: TurboTax Free has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to enter your information and understand your tax return. The software walks you through each form and section, and provides helpful prompts along the way.
Customer Service and Support: TurboTax has a reputation for excellent customer service and support. They offer phone and chat support to help answer any questions that may arise during the tax-filing process.
| Tax Software | Cost of Paid Version |
|---|---|
| TurboTax | $19.99 to $69.99 |
| H&R Block | $29.99 to $79.99 |
| SimpleTax | Pay-What-You-Want |
| StudioTax | Free |
Cost of Paid Versions: While TurboTax Free is a great option for those with simple tax returns, it may not be the best choice for those with more complicated returns. In that case, you may need to upgrade to a paid version of the software. TurboTax’s paid versions range from $19.99 to $69.99, which is comparable to other tax software like H&R Block. However, there are other free options available, like SimpleTax and StudioTax.
Overall, TurboTax Free is a great option for those with simple tax returns and who want a user-friendly interface. However, if you have more complicated taxes or are looking for a free option, there are other tax software options available to consider.
TurboTax Free Review
When it comes to filing our taxes, we all want a simple and straightforward solution that won’t cost us a fortune. That’s why TurboTax Canada has been a popular choice among taxpayers in Canada, and their free option makes it even more appealing. But is TurboTax Free really free? Let’s dive into a detailed review of the service to find out.
- What is TurboTax Free?
- Who is eligible for TurboTax Free?
- What does TurboTax Free include?
- Free preparation and filing of your federal tax return.
- Step-by-step guidance to ensure you don’t miss any deductions or credits.
- Auto-fill of your personal information from the CRA database.
- Built-in error checker to ensure your return is accurate.
- Free customer support via phone or chat.
- What are the limitations of TurboTax Free?
- Have income from self-employment or rental properties
- Have investment income
- Had capital gains or losses
- Filed for bankruptcy during the tax year
- Is TurboTax Free really free?
TurboTax Free is a free tax-filing platform offered by TurboTax Canada. It allows taxpayers to prepare and file their federal tax return for free without any hidden charges or upsells.
TurboTax Free is available to all Canadian taxpayers who have a simple tax situation. If your tax situation is more complex, it may not be suitable for you, and you may need to upgrade to a paid version.
TurboTax Free comes with many features that simplify the tax-filing process. It includes:
As mentioned earlier, TurboTax Free is only suitable for users with a simple tax situation. That means you can’t use it if you:
Yes, TurboTax Free is entirely free, with no hidden charges or upsells. However, you may have to upgrade to a paid version if you have a more complex tax situation or need additional features like filing your provincial tax return or importing data from last year’s return.
In summary, TurboTax Free is an excellent option for Canadian taxpayers who have a simple tax situation and want a free and straightforward solution to file their federal tax return. However, if your tax situation is more complex, you may need to upgrade to a paid version or seek professional assistance to ensure you get the best returns on your taxes.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free federal tax-filing | Not suitable for users with a complex tax situation |
| Step-by-step guidance for easy navigation | Additional charges for importing last year’s tax return or filing provincial taxes |
| Auto-fill of personal information for convenience | Customer support only available during limited hours |
Overall, TurboTax Free is a reliable and user-friendly platform that can save taxpayers time and money, especially if they have a straightforward tax situation. Regardless of which option you choose, filing your tax return doesn’t have to be a daunting task with TurboTax Canada by your side.
TurboTax Free hidden fees
When you hear the words “free tax software,” you might immediately think it’s too good to be true. In the case of TurboTax Free, it’s important to understand what “free” really means. Here are some hidden fees to watch out for:
- Provincial tax returns: While TurboTax Free allows you to file your federal tax return for free, there may be additional fees to file your provincial tax return. In some cases, you may be required to upgrade to a paid version.
- Add-ons: TurboTax offers various add-ons, such as the ability to track your refund or access to an expert for advice. While these add-ons may be beneficial, they are not included in the free version and therefore come with an additional cost.
- State tax returns (Canada): While TurboTax Free is available to Canadians, it’s important to note that it only supports federal tax returns. If you need to file a state tax return, you may need to upgrade to a paid version or use a different software altogether.
Transparency and hidden fees
While there may be additional fees associated with TurboTax Free, the company tries to be as transparent as possible about its pricing. Before you begin your tax return, you will be prompted to select your package and will be informed of any associated costs. Additionally, TurboTax Free includes a summary of fees in the final review of your tax return.
That being said, it’s important to read the fine print to ensure you fully understand what is included in the free version and what may come at an additional cost. By being aware of any potential costs upfront, you can avoid any surprises when it’s time to file your tax return.
Comparison of TurboTax packages
If you’re unsure which TurboTax package is right for you, the following table compares the features and pricing of the different options:
| Package | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| TurboTax Free | $0 | Federal tax return only Add-on fees apply |
| TurboTax Basic | $19.99 (online)/$29.99 (CD/download) | Federal tax return 1 provincial tax return No add-ons included |
| TurboTax Standard | $34.99 (online)/$44.99 (CD/download) | Federal tax return 1 provincial tax return Free TurboTax Live Basic support |
| TurboTax Premier | $69.99 (online)/$84.99 (CD/download) | Federal tax return 1 provincial tax return Free TurboTax Live Premier support Investment and rental income support |
Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your specific tax situation and needs. By understanding the differences between each package, you can make an informed decision and ensure you’re not hit with any unexpected fees.
TurboTax Free customer service
When it comes to tax preparation, customer service can be a make or break factor for many people. Fortunately, TurboTax Free offers top-notch customer service to ensure that users have a positive and stress-free experience.
The company provides various channels for customers to get in touch with their support team, including phone, live chat, and email. Their customer service team is available seven days a week, making it easy for users to get help when they need it. Additionally, TurboTax Free has a comprehensive knowledge base on their website that addresses common questions and concerns.
What services does TurboTax Free customer service offer?
- Phone support
- Live chat support
- Email support
- Comprehensive knowledge base on their website
How responsive is TurboTax Free customer service?
TurboTax Free prides itself on providing fast and efficient customer support. They have support agents available seven days a week, and their phone lines are open from early morning to late at night, ensuring that users can always reach someone when they need assistance. Additionally, their live chat support is available during extended hours, making it a convenient option for users who may not have the time to call in.
In addition to their availability, TurboTax Free’s customer support team is known for being knowledgeable and friendly. They are equipped to handle a variety of questions and concerns, from simple technical issues to complex tax-related questions. Users can expect prompt and effective assistance with every interaction.
What do TurboTax Free customers say about their customer service?
User reviews for TurboTax Free’s customer service are overwhelmingly positive. Many users praise their quick response times, friendly support agents, and helpful guidance. Customers have noted that their support team is patient and knowledgeable, which can be particularly important for individuals who may be new to tax preparation.
| Positive Reviews | Negative Reviews |
|---|---|
| “I had some trouble with my return and called TurboTax Free support, and they patiently helped me through every step. I’m so glad there are still companies out there that offer such great customer service!” | “I didn’t find their support team very helpful. I called in with a question, and the agent seemed to be reading directly from a script.” |
| “Their live chat support was a lifesaver. I was having trouble logging into my account, but the agent walked me through the process in no time.” | “I waited on hold for over 30 minutes to talk to a support agent. It was frustrating since I had a pressing question.” |
Overall, TurboTax Free’s customer service is a standout feature for the platform. Users can expect prompt and helpful support from knowledgeable and friendly agents, making the tax preparation process much less stressful.
Is TurboTax Really Free Canada FAQs
1. Is TurboTax really free in Canada?
Yes! TurboTax offers a completely free version of their tax software for Canadian taxpayers.
2. Are there any hidden fees or charges with TurboTax free?
No, there are no hidden fees or charges with TurboTax free. However, if you have a more complicated tax situation, you may need to upgrade to a paid version for additional features.
3. Does TurboTax free include all tax forms?
TurboTax free includes all the necessary forms for most Canadian taxpayers. However, if you have a more complex tax situation, such as self-employment income or rental properties, you may need to upgrade to a paid version.
4. Is TurboTax free easy to use?
Yes! TurboTax free is designed to be user-friendly and easy to navigate, even for those with little to no tax experience.
5. Will TurboTax free automatically submit my taxes to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)?
Yes, TurboTax free will automatically submit your taxes to the CRA once you have completed your return and confirmed that you agree with the information you have entered.
6. Can I get help if I need it while using TurboTax free?
Absolutely! TurboTax offers support through their website, including live chat and a community forum where you can ask questions and receive help from other users.
Closing Title: Thank You for Choosing TurboTax Free
Thank you for taking the time to read about TurboTax free in Canada. We hope that we have answered your questions and made it clear that TurboTax really is free for most taxpayers. If you choose to use TurboTax free, know that you will be guided through the tax preparation process with ease, and have the support you need along the way. We encourage you to visit TurboTax’s website to learn more and start your free tax return today. Thanks for stopping by!