Ease of use for simple returns
Users often highlight the guided, step-by-step flow when their income and deductions are straightforward.
Table of Contents
TurboTax - Canada
File taxes with confidence using TurboTax
Last updated:
A beginner-friendly filing experience with guided questions, helpful checks, and clear next steps.
Best for beginners
Free-$60 DIY
CRA NETFILE ready
Quebec supported
See TurboTax walkthrough
Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Quebec vs the rest of Canada (quick note)
- Quebec: you may deal with Revenu Quebec for GST/HST + QST combined filing.
- Other provinces: GST/HST is handled through CRA.
Educational only - confirm details on CRA / Revenu Quebec.
Quick comparison
Best for
Beginner-friendly guided filing
Pricing range
$0 - $60 (DIY plans)
Platforms
Web (desktop and mobile browser)
CRA NETFILE
Yes (NETFILE ready)
Quebec support
Supported (confirm plan)
Quick summary
Best for
- Beginners
- Most common returns
- Guided filing
Not ideal for
- Highly complex situations
- If you want fully in-person, walk-in help
This page is informational. Features and pricing can change by version.
More guides
Related guides
Compare accounting tools or catch up on the latest CRA updates before you file.
Accounting guide
Best Accounting Software in Canada
Compare top accounting tools, estimated pricing, and best-for picks for 2026.
Read the accounting guide ->
Tax guide
Self-Employed Tax Guide Canada
T2125, expenses, GST/HST, QST, and filing workflow basics.
Read the self-employed guide ->
CRA update
CRA Tax Changes 2026
Key CRA updates, dates, and filing notes for the 2026 season.
Read the CRA 2026 guide ->
Watch: TurboTax filing walkthrough
This short video gives a quick overview of the TurboTax flow so you know what to expect before you start.
Disclaimer: This video is for general information only and does not replace certified tax software or professional advice.
Wherever you are in life, see how TurboTax can fit your return
Pick your situation to see what you'll usually need, what TurboTax typically guides you through, and what to double-check on CRA or Revenu Quebec.
Informational only. Features and supported tax situations can change by TurboTax version and year.
Quick quiz
Which TurboTax plan fits you?
Answer three quick questions for a starting recommendation.
Province
Situation
Help preference
Recommendation
Confirm current pricing and features on the official TurboTax site.
Life change checklist (moved, married, new job)
Use this quick checklist to avoid missing common updates, slips, and deductions when your year changed. This is informational only. Always confirm edge cases on CRA or Revenu Quebec.
If you moved
- Keep rent receipts and moving costs (if eligible).
- Update address in CRA account (and Revenu Quebec if Quebec).
- Save dates: old address, new address, move date.
If your relationship status changed
- Confirm spouse or common-law status and date of change.
- Benefits or credits may change. Keep records.
- Update CRA and Revenu Quebec profiles.
If you started a new job (or had multiple jobs)
- Collect every T4 or T4A (and RL-1 in Quebec if applicable).
- Check CPP or QPP and EI totals if you worked for multiple employers.
- Keep employment expense docs only if your situation requires it.
If you had a child or added a dependent
- Save childcare receipts and provider details (name, address).
- Review benefits eligibility and update family info.
- Quebec: keep provincial childcare-related records too.
Quick do-not-forget list
Documents to keep
- • T4, T4A, T5 (if any)
- • RRSP receipts
- • Medical receipts
- • Childcare receipts
- • Move date and addresses
Account updates
- • Confirm direct deposit is correct
- • Update address if you moved
- • Update marital status if changed
- • Quebec: update Revenu Quebec details too
Tip: If you are unsure about eligibility for a specific deduction or credit, use the site:canada.ca or site:revenuquebec.ca search method above and read the exact subsection that matches your situation.
Student checklist (tuition and first return basics)
A simple checklist for students and first-time filers. Keep these items ready before you start.
Common documents
- T4 from part-time jobs
- T4A for scholarships or bursaries (if any)
- T2202 tuition form
- Student loan interest statement (if applicable)
Quick tips
- Check if unused tuition can be carried forward.
- Update your address in CRA My Account.
- Quebec: keep RL slips if your school issues them.
Newcomer basics (first Canadian return)
If you are new to Canada, these basics help ensure your first return is accurate.
What to have ready
- SIN and residency start date
- Income slips from Canadian employers or banks
- Records of foreign income (if applicable)
Why it matters
- Benefits like GST and CCB depend on correct info.
- Residency status affects how income is reported.
- Confirm CRA guidance for your situation.
Self-employed notes (income and expenses)
If you are a freelancer or sole proprietor, keep your records organized before filing.
Common items
- Invoices and payments received
- Business expenses with receipts
- Home office expenses (if eligible)
Double-check
- CPP or QPP is higher on self-employment income.
- Keep mileage logs if you claim vehicle use.
- Confirm GST or HST obligations if applicable.
GST/HST for Self-Employed (Simple Canada Guide)
A plain-language overview to help you track GST/HST as a freelancer or sole proprietor. Educational only and not tax advice.
Quick summary
- Register once you pass the small supplier threshold (often $30,000).
- Collect the correct rate by province (GST-only vs HST).
- Track GST/HST collected and GST/HST paid on expenses (ITCs).
- File by your reporting period and pay on time.
- Quebec note: QST is separate and filed through Revenu Quebec.
Do I need to register?
You generally register once your taxable sales exceed $30,000 in a single calendar quarter or across four consecutive quarters combined.
Example: If you earn $12,000, $9,000, $6,000, and $5,500 over four quarters, the total is $32,500 and registration is typically required.
Driver note: taxi and ride-sharing can have different rules. Confirm your status on CRA guidance.
The 4-step workflow
- Register: get a BN and open a GST/HST account.
- Collect: charge the right rate and keep simple invoices.
- File: choose regular or quick method and report totals.
- Pay: remit on time and save your confirmation.
Quick method vs regular method
- Regular: GST/HST collected minus ITCs.
- Quick: remittance rate applied to eligible sales (simpler but different results).
Sources: Background reading, CRA GST/HST for businesses.
Uber, taxi, or delivery driver?
Use our GST/QST calculator to extract values from statements and estimate remittance quickly.
Open GST/QST calculatorBusiness expense guide (sole proprietor)
A quick structure to keep your expense categories clean and consistent year to year.
Helpful categories
- Office supplies and software
- Phone and internet (business portion)
- Travel and mileage (with logs)
Keep it clean
- Separate business and personal spending.
- Save receipts and proof of payment.
- Use consistent categories each year.
Family checklist (childcare and dependents)
Use this list if you have children or dependents and want to avoid missing key credits.
What to gather
- Childcare receipts with provider details
- Dependent names, birthdates, and SINs
- Medical receipts related to dependents
Quick tips
- Confirm which parent should claim expenses.
- Review benefits eligibility after changes.
- Quebec: confirm provincial credits as needed.
Pricing snapshot
Prices shown are from the TurboTax website and can change by plan or tax year.
Free
$0
- Covers simple tax situations only.
Deluxe
$21
- Adds donations, medical expenses, employment expenses, and more.
Premier
$40
- Adds capital gains, investment income, and foreign income support.
Self-Employed
$60
- Adds self-employment and rental income workflows.
Pricing can change. Always confirm the latest plan details on the official site.
Key features
What's new: Select plans include live expert help and review options.
Auto-fill My Return (CRA)
Import slips directly from the CRA when available.
ReFILE support
Adjust a previously filed return if something changes.
Bring-forward data
Imports TurboTax details from last year when available.
Deductions and credits guidance
Prompts you through common credits and deductions.
Slip-by-slip guidance
Guided help for common slips like T4, T5, and T4A.
Review checks
Built-in checks help reduce common filing mistakes.
Reviews & Real-World Feedback
Short summaries based on public feedback + our readers. Not official TurboTax screenshots or quoted testimonials.
What users say: Many describe the flow as approachable for simple returns, with prompts that help them double-check common credits.
What to watch for: Some users mention upgrade prompts or pricing changes once additional forms or features are selected.
Helpful guidance and review checks
Many mention prompts that surface common credits, warn about missing slips, or encourage a final review.
Concerns some users report
A portion of feedback mentions pricing surprises or upgrade prompts when extra forms are needed.
Reviews shown here are summarized or user-submitted and may not reflect every experience.
Public rating snapshot
TurboTax mobile app rating can be viewed on Google Play (external).
View on Google PlaySubmit your review
Reviews are moderated before they appear publicly.
Latest approved reviews
Updated as reviews are approved
No approved reviews yet. Share your experience to help other readers.
Who should use it?
A good fit if you want a guided DIY experience with clear prompts and review checks.
Students and first-time filers
Step-by-step prompts help first-time filers move from slips to filing with confidence.
Families
Useful for common family-related credits, childcare, and dependent questions.
Self-employed or side income
Self-Employed plan supports business income and expenses for common sole prop returns.
Investors
Premier plan includes capital gains and investment income support.
Quebec note
Quebec residents generally file both a federal return and a Quebec provincial return. Keep RL slips and provincial notices if applicable.
Supported tax situations (examples)
Confirm coverage for your exact situation and version before filing.
Employment income (T4)
Students (T2202 tuition)
Investments (T5, eligible dividends)
RRSP contributions
Medical expenses (eligible items)
Quebec filers (federal + provincial workflow)
How it works
1) Create an account
Sign up and choose your tax year.
2) Import slips
Add your slips manually or import if supported.
3) Answer guided questions
Follow prompts for credits and deductions.
4) Review results
Double-check income, credits, and refund/owing estimate.
5) Submit your return
File electronically if supported by your chosen plan.
6) Save a copy
Keep your return and receipts for records.
TurboTax Walkthrough (Step-by-step)
A simple 3-part walkthrough to help beginners move from sign-in to submitting and saving a copy.
Part 1
Sign in and start your return
Create/sign in to your account, choose your tax year, and start a new return.
Part 1
Sign in and start your return
Create/sign in to your account, choose your tax year, and start a new return.
1
Open TurboTax and choose your tax year
Pick the correct tax year you are filing for and begin a new return.
2
Create an account or sign in
Use your real email and secure password. Enable verification if offered.
3
Continue into the tax interview
Once you are signed in, proceed to the guided questions.
Part 2
Enter your tax information
Work through the interview screens and enter slips, deductions, and credits.
Part 2
Enter your tax information
Work through the interview screens and enter slips, deductions, and credits.
1
Answer guided questions screen-by-screen
Most screens require an answer before you can continue.
2
Add your income slips
Enter common Canadian slips like T4/T4A/T5 (based on your situation).
3
Add deductions and credits
RRSP, tuition (T2202), medical expenses, donations, childcare, etc.
4
Review warnings and missing info prompts
If something is unclear, pause and confirm the document before continuing.
Pro tips during the process
- • You will see many questions. This is normal. Keep your slips nearby.
- • If a box or field does not apply to you, leave it blank (do not guess).
- • Some versions offer import features. If you cannot import, manual entry still works.
Part 3
Review, submit, and save your copy
Do a final review, submit electronically if available, then download/save your return.
Part 3
Review, submit, and save your copy
Do a final review, submit electronically if available, then download/save your return.
1
Final review before submitting
Confirm totals, personal details, and that all slips are included.
2
Submit your return (if supported)
Follow the on-screen steps to file electronically based on your chosen version or plan.
3
Download or save your return
Save a PDF copy and keep your receipts for your records.
Save a copy
Important: Always save a copy of your return and key documents for your records.
Step 1: Sign in and start
Click to zoom.
Step 2: Enter your slips
Click to zoom.
Step 3: Review and submit
Click to zoom.
Note: These are illustrative visuals, not official screenshots.
Quebec note
Quebec reminder: Many residents file both federal and Quebec provincial returns. Ensure your filing workflow covers both where required.
TurboTax Live vs DIY: Which option fits you?
TurboTax offers both do-it-yourself filing and optional live expert help. The right choice depends on how confident you feel filing on your own.
DIY filing
- Guided questions and explanations
- Best if your situation is straightforward
- You enter and review everything yourself
- Lower cost depending on plan
Live expert help
- Chat or video support from a tax expert
- Helpful if you are unsure about deductions or slips
- Review before you submit
- Available in certain plans
Availability, pricing, and level of expert support may vary by plan and tax year.
Pros
- Very beginner-friendly flow
- Good guidance and explanations
- Strong review-before-submit checks
Cons
- Pricing and features vary by plan
- Some complex situations may need expert help
Quebec filing note
Quebec residents generally file both a federal return and a Quebec provincial return. Keep RL slips and provincial notices if applicable.
Quebec filing help
If you file in Quebec, follow the combined GST/HST + QST guide and calculate your totals first.
Compare alternatives
TurboTax Canada - Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions Canadians ask before using TurboTax to file their tax return.
Yes. TurboTax is widely used by beginners because it offers guided questions, plain-language explanations, and a step-by-step filing process.
Many versions support Quebec filing, including both federal and provincial returns. Features may vary by plan and tax year, so confirm before purchasing.
Yes. TurboTax supports electronic filing (NETFILE) for eligible Canadian tax returns, depending on your situation and the version used.
Some TurboTax plans include optional live expert help through chat or video, allowing users to ask questions or review their return before submitting.
TurboTax may offer free options for very simple tax returns. More complex situations or additional features usually require a paid version.
Certain TurboTax plans support self-employment or freelance income. Users should confirm that their selected version covers business income and expenses.
TurboTax helps you enter eligible credits and deductions correctly, but your refund depends on your actual income, expenses, and documentation.
Some versions allow importing tax slips or pulling data from online sources. Manual entry is also available if importing is not supported.
Common documents include T4, T4A, T5 slips, RRSP contribution receipts, tuition forms (T2202), medical expenses, donations, and your Notice of Assessment.
TurboTax uses security measures designed to protect personal and financial information. Users should also secure their account with strong passwords.
Learn more resources
Helpful links and external resources for deeper reading.
Canada GST/HST Filing Guide
Step-by-step guide for filing GST/HST returns in Canada.
Read guide ->
Quebec GST/HST + QST Guide
Quebec-focused guide for combined GST/HST and QST filing.
Read guide ->
Best Accounting Software in Canada
Compare small-business accounting tools, pricing ranges, and workflow fit for 2026.
Read guide ->
Learn More: TurboTax Tax Tips (External)
Want deeper reading? Browse TurboTax's Tax Tips hub in a new tab so you can come back here anytime.
Note: This opens an external website (TurboTax/Intuit). We do not control their content or availability.
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What's new for CRA tax season 2026?
Quick overview of important changes (then read the full guide for details).
- Starting Feb 2026, CRA account users are prompted to add a backup MFA option (passcode grid or authenticator app).
- NETFILE access code is easier to find in CRA My Account (8 characters).
- Benefit updates: proposed GST credit ("groceries & essentials") changes include a one-time top-up + a 25% increase starting July 2026 (subject to approval).
- Key dates: e-file opening and filing deadlines matter (especially if you owe or are self-employed).
Educational overview only. Always verify details with CRA / official sources.
Practice simulator
Try the Tax Practice Simulator
Want a low-stakes walkthrough before you file for real? Use our simulator to practice inputs and see a simplified estimate. No TurboTax or CRA branding, and no official filing is performed.
- Practice only • Estimates only • Not official tax filing
- Original UI and simplified math for learning the flow
- Guests can try it without signing in (saved in this browser)
Launch practice simulator →
Practice only • Not affiliated with TurboTax or CRA
Before you continue
- Choose your plan based on your situation.
- Gather slips (T4/T4A/T5, RRSP, donations, medical).
- If Quebec: keep RL slips and check Revenu Quebec requirements.
- If self-employed: totals for income and expenses, mileage log.
- Review and submit (NETFILE if supported).
- Save your confirmation number and PDFs.
Ready to file?
If this option fits your needs, continue to the official software page.
Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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