Best Free Tax Software Canada 2025

Compare Canada's top free CRA-certified NETFILE tax software to file your 2024 return without paying a cent.

Top Free Canadian Tax Software Compared

Software	Cost	Self-Employed	Platform	NETFILE
Wealthsimple Tax	Free (PWYW)	Yes	Web, iOS, Android	Yes
GenuTax Standard	100% Free	Yes	Windows	Yes
StudioTax	Free (up to 20 returns)	Yes	Windows, Mac, iOS, Android	Yes
CloudTax Free	Free (simple returns)	No (paid only)	Web, iOS, Android	Yes
TurboTax Free	Free (simple T4 only)	No	Web, iOS, Android	Yes
H&R Block Free	Free (basic)	No	Web	Yes

1. Wealthsimple Tax — Best Overall Free Option

Wealthsimple Tax (formerly SimpleTax) is widely considered the best free Canadian tax software. It uses a pay-what-you-want model — you choose how much to pay, including $0. The interface is clean, modern, and guides you through every section with plain-language questions.

• Supports T4, T5, T3, T4A, T4E, T4RIF, and most common slips
• Auto-fills data from CRA My Account (with permission)
• Handles self-employed income and expenses
• RRSP, rental income, capital gains supported
• Available on web, iPhone, and Android
• Real-time refund/balance estimate as you enter data

2. GenuTax Standard — Truly 100% Free

GenuTax is completely free with no income limits, no return limits, and no upsells. It is Windows-only, which limits its audience, but it supports a comprehensive range of tax situations including investments, rental income, and self-employment. Maintained by a small Canadian company, it has been CRA-certified for many years.

3. StudioTax — Best for Multiple Returns

StudioTax allows you to file up to 20 tax returns for free, making it ideal for families and tax volunteers. It works on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. The interface is more traditional than Wealthsimple Tax but covers complex situations well including deceased persons' returns.

4. CloudTax — Best Mobile Experience

CloudTax offers a free tier for simple returns (T4 income, basic credits). The mobile app experience is polished and beginner-friendly. For self-employed, rental income, or investments, you need the paid CloudTax Plus. A good choice for employees with straightforward returns.

What Is NETFILE?

NETFILE is the CRA's secure electronic filing system. All of the software listed above is CRA-certified, meaning it has been tested and approved for submitting returns directly to the CRA. NETFILE returns are typically processed within 8 business days, compared to 8 weeks for paper returns. You need a CRA My Account to use auto-fill features, but NETFILE itself does not require an account.

Who Cannot Use Free Tax Software?

Some tax situations require paid software or a tax professional:

• Returns with foreign income exceeding certain thresholds
• Complex corporate structures or trust returns
• Bankruptcy or insolvency situations
• Returns for non-residents of Canada in some cases

For most Canadians — including employees, students, retirees, and self-employed individuals — free software handles every situation adequately.

CRA Auto-Fill My Return Feature

All major tax software supports the CRA's Auto-fill my return (AFR) feature. This securely imports your tax slips, RRSP room, capital gains information, and more directly from CRA records. It saves time and reduces data entry errors. To use AFR, you need a CRA My Account registered to your SIN.

Tips for Using Free Tax Software

• Gather all slips before you start — T4, T5, T3, RRSP receipts, donation receipts
• Use the CRA Auto-fill feature to pull your data automatically
• Answer every question, even if you think it does not apply — the software may find credits you missed
• Register for CRA direct deposit before filing for the fastest refund
• Double-check your SIN, address, and banking information before submitting