TurboTax Canada is the best-known tax software in the country. It's backed by Intuit, uses a guided interview format, and offers live expert help for people who want a real accountant to review their return. But does it justify its cost of up to $60 compared to free alternatives like Wealthsimple Tax? Here's our full 2025 review.
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Get KOHO Free — Use Code 45ET55JSYA| Plan | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Simple T4 returns |
| Deluxe | ~$20.99 | Deductions, investments |
| Premier | ~$34.99 | Rental income, capital gains |
| Self-Employed | ~$49.99 | Freelancers, small business |
| Live Assist | +$49.99 | Expert review before filing |
| Full Service | $89.99+ | Expert prepares and files for you |
Prices are approximate and change seasonally. TurboTax sometimes offers early-season discounts. The Free plan is genuinely free for simple T4 returns but lacks deduction optimization features.
TurboTax Live Assist adds a real Canadian tax professional who reviews your return before you submit it. At ~$49.99 extra, it's a significant upcharge. For people with complex situations — multiple income sources, significant investments, rental properties, or self-employment — the expert review can catch errors that save more than the fee. For straightforward returns, it's overkill.
| Feature | TurboTax Canada | Wealthsimple Tax |
|---|---|---|
| Price range | $0–$60+ | $0–$20 |
| Expert help | Yes (paid) | No |
| Guided interview | Yes | No (form-based) |
| CRA Auto-Fill | Yes | Yes |
| Self-employed | Excellent | Good |
| Best for | Complex returns, peace of mind | Simple returns, cost-conscious filers |
TurboTax Canada is the best tax software for complex returns and people who want expert guidance. For simple T4 returns, Wealthsimple Tax is free and just as capable. For self-employed Canadians or those with multiple income sources, TurboTax's guided interview and optional live expert review justify the higher price. The free tier is competitive but limited — most users will need to upgrade to access the features that make TurboTax worth choosing over free alternatives.