Tax Software Discussion 2011

[jq_jou]

Turbo tax has a bit easier interface, asks some questions though i don't think worthwhile spending the extra money just for these benefits or user friendliness. I like Studio Tax, it's the 1st year i used this free software, actually i like it, i may continue use it next year for free. This year i just want to compare to see the difference between these two software. Money wise, Studio Tax is great. If you can use Turbo Tax for free, use turbo for its user friendliness.

[hordosr]

i have been paper filing forever, it is easy but am going to use studiotax this year...

[sslinn]

Paper file, it's not difficult if you have a BComm/BBA. I'd probably use StudioTax as a double check on my additions etc...

You need a BComm/BBA to be able to paper file?

[creamsoda]

Anyone else having trouble carrying forward details from 2010 into their 2011 return on Turbo Tax? I think I'm done with them ... lots of problems - each year, something different.

[panda470]

I'm not sure about your audit concern, but I did find the interview process in Genutax to be longer than Turbotax's. However, I didn't try the streamlined interview in Genutax. That might have been shorter. Regardless, Turbotax was giving me Netfile problems (rejected by CRA's website with error codes). And when you call Turbotax, you get to deal with call centre support in India, which wouldn't bother me if the people I dealt with weren't so inept.
I notice Genutax seems to only have email support, but they got back to me within 6 hours. And their software didn't give me Netfile problems.

I also like the fact that you just pay once with Genutax, and then you're good to go for future years with up to 20 returns per year.

Anyway, Genutax has a free trial. As long as you're not in Quebec, I suggest giving it a shot.

I ended up using the Studio Tax. It was straight forward except the fact that for the Form T766, I had to spend a while on the Guide 4036 but in the end it was good experience.
So I would like to offer my help for someone who has T4 and/or rental income and has any question using Studio Tax.

[Warped]

I used UFile whilst still in school, but decided to give StudioTax a try since it was free.

I've never paper filed before, so I was familiar with UFile's guidance and Q&A to help complete my return in the past.

When I first opened StudioTax, it seemed a bit less intuitive than UFile. StudioTax had less questions and they weren't too descriptive or had helpful sidenotes.
StudioTax felt like I was filling out the return by hand..except I was just doing it on a computer with auto-fills. For a second, StudioTax reminded me of TaxPrep.
It took me about 1.5 hours to get used to the controls, layout and calculate a result. It was a good experience once I got the hang of it.

On the other hand, UFile filled out your return via questionnaires. I was more familiar with it and it took me about 30 minutes to get a result. Had I paid for the program, it would spit out a PDF with the necessary forms and schedules filled.
I think UFile is the better one of the two for those who are intimidated with filing their taxes, but StudioTax is doing a great job at providing a completely free alternative.

Both programs calculated the same $ at the end of the day.

[cocotheparrot]

After twelve years of using Turbo Tax i decided to try H&R Block and Studio Tax. My refund increased by $125 when I use Turbo Tax. Too many errors on Studio Tax. Amounts on T3 slips being added twice. Capital Gains on T3 being counted as interest income.

I strongly recommend anyone using Studio Tax to triple check your return manually.

[cocotheparrot]

Forgot to add H&R Block is FREE for Royal Bank clients. Extended until April 30.


"""""'Offer expires April 30, 2012. Offer applies to single or family returns filed by the same household, up to a maximum of 20 returns, as stipulated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)""""""