StudioTax

StudioTax prepares and files Canadian personal income tax returns, including straightforward filings and returns involving self-employment or rental income. It supports CRA NETFILE and ReFILE, printed returns, Auto-fill my return, and Express Notice of Assessment. The personal license covers up to 10 returns, and CRA requirements limit filing to 20 returns per computer. StudioTax is intended for individuals filing their own returns or a small number for friends and relatives; tax professionals cannot use its NETFILE software for client returns. Desktop software saves returns on the computer, and StudioTax says personal information does not leave it. T1135 foreign income forms are supported on Windows and Mac. Windows, iOS, and Android versions are certified for Revenu Québec NETFILE and printed returns. The Mac version is English-only and does not support Quebec provincial returns. Free use is available to eligible residents of Northwest Territories, Yukon, or Nunavut, and to individuals with annual income of $20,000 or less, subject to the stated calculation rules. Returns from other tax programs must be transferred manually.

StudioTax covers common Canadian filing needs and includes options for foreign income and Quebec filing on supported versions. Check the platform-specific limitations and eligibility conditions before choosing it.

StudioTax suits individuals preparing Canadian returns, including those with self-employment or rental income. It may also suit eligible users seeking the free plan, but it is not for tax professionals filing client returns through NETFILE.

StudioTax is Canadian personal tax software for preparing and filing individual returns, from straightforward cases to self-employment and rental income. It best fits people filing for themselves or a small circle of relatives and friends who value desktop data storage. Its broad filing support is appealing, but the 10-return license and platform-specific Quebec limits matter when choosing a version.

Overview

StudioTax supports CRA NETFILE, ReFILE, and printed returns, along with Auto-fill my return and Express Notice of Assessment. Self-employment, rental income, and amended returns make it relevant beyond basic filings. That range does not extend to professional client work: tax professionals cannot use its NETFILE software for client returns.

StudioTax says its desktop software stores returns on the computer and personal information does not leave it. That suits filers who prefer local storage, but switching from another tax program involves manual transfer because StudioTax imports only its own returns.

Key features

• Filing methods: NETFILE, ReFILE, and printed returns provide electronic and paper options. Auto-fill my return and Express Notice of Assessment add CRA-related capabilities.
• Foreign income: T1135 is supported in the Windows and Mac versions, a useful distinction for filers who need that form.
• Quebec filing: Windows, iOS, and Android are certified for Revenu Québec NETFILE and printed returns. The Mac version does not support Quebec provincial returns, so Mac users needing those filings should choose another version or product.
• Return capacity: The personal license covers up to 10 returns, while CRA rules cap filing at 20 returns per computer. This is suited to personal and small-family use, not high-volume preparation.

Pricing

StudioTax uses a freemium model. Eligible users can use the software for free: the free plan applies to individuals with income of $20,000 per year or less, subject to the maker's calculation rules, and residents of Northwest Territories, Yukon, or Nunavut. Other users need the StudioTax 2025 license, which covers 10 returns; its price is custom pricing. The 20-return-per-computer CRA ceiling still applies, so the license does not make it a professional filing tool.

Platforms

StudioTax runs on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows. Windows 10 and 11 are supported for StudioTax 2025; Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 are no longer supported. The Mac version is English-only and excludes Quebec provincial returns, while Windows, iOS, and Android support certified Quebec filing. Check the version against the forms and filing language you need before committing.

Who it's for

StudioTax is a practical fit for individuals preparing their own returns or a small number for people they know, particularly when self-employment, rental income, T1135 on Windows or Mac, or local desktop storage matters. It is a poor fit for tax professionals filing client returns, people needing to import another program's return, and Mac users who need Quebec provincial filing. Support is provided by email, and the maker also directs users to its documentation.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Supports NETFILE, ReFILE, printed returns, self-employment, rental income, and amended returns, covering more than simple filings.
• Pro: Desktop returns stay on the computer according to StudioTax, which may suit filers who prefer local storage.
• Pro: Eligible low-income filers and residents of the northern territories can use the software free.
• Con: The 10-return personal license and CRA's 20-per-computer limit restrict its usefulness for larger filing workloads.
• Con: Returns from other tax programs must be transferred manually, adding work for people switching software.
• Con: The English-only Mac version does not support Quebec provincial returns, unlike the certified Windows, iOS, and Android versions.

Alternatives

For a simple US tax situation and a web or mobile workflow, H&R Block Online has a free plan for Form 1040, billed per state filed; its free tier is limited to simple situations. Taxfix offers an individual annual plan at €39.99 a year, free until submission, for readers considering a paid annual subscription. WISO Steuer offers a free test version with all functions available to try and payment requested only when submitting, a different option for readers who want to explore before filing. Cash App Taxes is free for federal and state returns and includes self-employment and investment income; it may suit readers seeking a no-cost US filing option. TurboTax Canada has a free plan for simple tax situations and paid tiers including Deluxe for donations, medical expenses, and employment expenses, making it an option for readers whose needs fit those tiers. TaxFreeway is another freemium tax software option. CCH Axcess Practice has custom pricing and is positioned as an alternative to consider. Steuerbot offers free refund calculation and a paid tax-return submission option.

Browse more options in Tax Preparation Software and Personal Tax Software.

Verdict

Choose StudioTax if you are an individual filer who wants support for more than a basic return, values desktop storage, and can work within its return cap and version-specific limits. Its combination of filing methods and support for self-employment and rental income is the main draw. Look elsewhere if you need professional client filing, direct import from another tax program, or Quebec provincial returns on Mac.