Discussions

Last year I paid 193 bucks to h and r block just to get 402 bucks back. I was wondering if there is a cheaper place to go.  
 
Also you here bout people filling them there selves. How do you do that and what computer program do you use?

You will hear a bunch of free tax software programs that people will list. I pay $20 for Ufile and do a few taxes. It is simple, they ask you the same questions and H&R and you submit. A lot now you can have imported from the CRA and does all your RRSP stuff for you.  
 
Edited by Fishin Guy, 2020-03-02 12:35:14

H&R block is a rip-off. Go to liberty or wheat city tax

Last year I paid 80 for a complicated return (multiple t4s and a rental property).

Did you go instant cash refund? If you did, the preparers take a fairly substantial portion off the top - they are essentially lending you your refund, and the loan gets repaid when the refund is paid by CRA.  
 
If you did instant cash refund, I would suggest just letting the refund come directly from CRA, usually it only takes about a week.  
 
For taxes, we use GenuTax. It's a donation-based software for prepping taxes, and your data is saved on your hard drive. I would suggest NOT using a cloud-based tax software like SimpleTax, as if they get sold, so does your data!  
 
https://www.cbc.ca/radio/costofliving/indigenous-nations-and-the-economy-plus-why-it-s-so-hard-to-fly-for-cheap-in-canada-1.5469919/the-canadian-tech-company-that-changed-its-mind-about-using-your-tax-return-to-sell-stuff-1.5471400

I like Wheat City.  
 
He helped me catch up on a few year's worth of tax returns for an affordable price a couple years ago (then, as Liberty Tax Service), so he's been my guy since. I don't think Wheat City does walk in's or instant cashback (please correct me if I'm wrong), but that doesn't bother me. There usually isn't anything to take with me anyway lol.

If all you have is a simple t-4 and like rent receipts...just buy quick tax for $20 or better yet google "Free tax software Canada". I'm not trying to be mean or condescending it's one of the easiest things you can do. Especially with direct deposit and e-filing you can have your refund in your account in like 10 days...Even when I was 19 and broke I still couldn't bring myself to pay HR Block $80 just to have my cheque a couple weeks early.

I love Liberty and go every year, but they are under new ownership this year, and a basic tax return costs $140 now, where last year it was only $85. Wasnt too happy, but my taxes are complicated and they help out to figure things out

You should see sean (wheat city tax) he used to work at liberty …… highly recommended

I used Turbotax and it was free...they do try to up sell you at the end before your Netfile, but if you only have a T4 or 2, and your taxes aren't complicated, say no to the upsell.  
Easy peasy.

I have to point out that if you have a really basic return, it's still an option to file an old-fashioned paper return. They aren't as hard as you think, just follow the directions that come with the package.  
 
You can request an T1 General package at https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/tax-packages-years/general-income-tax-benefit-package.html

The CRA website is always a great resource. They have a list of free software that is certified for each year and sends your return through netfile.  
 
This is my first year that I'm filing my taxes myself, so I'm giving StudioTax a try, though there are several options.  
 
 
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-services/e-services-individuals/netfile-overview/certified-software-netfile-program.html

It's free or you may make a donation. If you have a simple return I recommend it. I've used it 2 years in a row. I submitted it Monday and my return was in my account Saturday.

This is my first year attempting to do taxes by myself!!!! "It can't be too hard!!" I said to myself! Turbo Tax has a free option, they do try and sell you "upgrades" periodically throughout the whole process (maybe 5? Times). But if you can get past that slight irritant it is pretty straightforward for a basic return. 1 hour of my life for a free submission. Would use it again!

https://www.studiotax.com/en/  
 
Very simple. I have been using it almost ten years now. And now my family uses it.  
Can't get any easier.  
Enter all the figures from T4, T5's etc...and it spits out a number.  
 
Hopefully it's a REFUND amount  
 
Cheers.

A lady at a place on the 800 block of MCTAVISH that is super quick and friendly. She’s only charging $60 to give people a break. There’s a 5-7 day time to have your funds sent out by cra. Saved me tons having her do it. Pm if you’d like the details

I too have used Studio tax for about 10 years now. It is free but you are welcome to donate to the company if you choose, no requirement. It is easy to use and my returns have been bang on every year. Definitely recommend.

I used Studiotax for years and it was very simple. This year I used the turbo tax app on my phone and it was even easier. Took no time at all. I don’t know if I’d want to do a complicated return with it but they also offer a paid version with experts to help you

I’ve heard westman cash was offering income tax for $60

I just did my taxes on my own yesterday via Simple Tax..which is a free online software. While doing it it dawned on me that it is the EXACT same free software that Liberty Tax uses. I was confused because I had never filed my taxes before on my own and when I went to sign up for an account it had said my e-mail address already had an account which in turn confirmed that Liberty Tax uses this free software.  
 
I paid over $200.00 last year to sit and watch someone use this same program for a simple return of 1 T4 and one tuition slip.  
 
I honestly suggest to anyone to give Simple Tax a try...it guides you through, is not overwhelming and once your finished filling it out you click a button to optimize your return and the program alerts you to anything you may have made a mistake on or that you may have missed to make your return better.

Simple tax online is excellent!

I've been using Simple Tax online for four years. I do about six (family) a year. Make my donation once I'm done all.  
 
WealthSimple (an low cost online banking an investing company) bought SimpleTax this year. With the sale, your info is now owned by WealthSimple. SiompleTax says, however, that all info prior to this tax year was not "sold" to WealthSimple when they sold their company to them.  
 
If you're concerned, you have the option of opting out of sharing any of your data with WealthSimple. Simply log on, go the "Account" the "data" and uncheck the two boxes.  
Personally, I don't see this as a huge issue...others do.  
The collection is anonymous and won't identify you specifically.  
What I found interesting is once I finished each tax return I was offered ideas on savings, investing and other financial plan options based on that return...which is way more than any local bank rep has offered me in the past few years.

The lady there is super! I highly recommend her.

Nice fellow and very reasonable 204-573-7228