SimpleTax/Wealthsimple Tax vs TurboTax Review 2023

Even if you have had your taxes prepared in person in the past, this year, the Canada Revenue Agency recommends that Canadians file their taxes online, which is both more straightforward for you and safer due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Filing your taxes online is quick, easy, and safe.

In fact, the most challenging part about it might be choosing which online software you’d like to use! We’re big fans of TurboTax and SimpleTax.

In this article, we’ve done a Simpletax vs Turbotax comparison so you can choose the software that suits you best.

TurboTax is an Intuit product and has been offering online tax filing software in Canada for over 20 years. They claim to be the #1 tax software in Canada, helping Canadians file 45 million income tax returns since their inception.

This software is a premium service, which means it is not free, and it’s packed to the gills with extra features and add-ons that will put even the most nervous tax filer at ease.

TurboTax Features

Where SimpleTax prefers a barebones approach, TurboTax is loaded with features that help their customers quickly and easily file their income tax returns, including:

• Tiered pricing: TurboTax is not one-size-fits-all and instead offers pricing tiers depending on your tax situation’s complexity. Expect to pay between $0 to $44.99 for your return.
• NETFILE approved: File your income tax return directly to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) with NETFILE. When you file, you’ll receive an express NOA, and your refund will arrive in as little as eight days.
• Instant refund tracker: Watch your refund automatically calculate as you enter your financial information, don’t wait until you finish to see the final tally.
• Auto-fill my return: Save time while filing by connecting to your CRA My Account and import your tax documents directly from the CRA.
• RRSP optimization: TurboTax will suggest ways to optimize your RRSP contributions to ensure the maximum possible refund.
• Pension splitting: TurboTax will suggest ways to split your pension with your spouse to help you pay the least amount in taxes.
• User-friendly questionnaire: Not sure which deductions and credits apply? Just answer the introductory questionnaire, and TurboTax will suggest the right deductions and credits for you to claim.
• Mobile app: File your taxes entirely from your mobile phone if you desire, or start on your mobile phone and transfer later to your desktop, your choice!
• Assist & Review: This add-on makes a real tax expert available while you fill out your return and meet virtually to review it before you file.
• Full Service: Have a tax pro with ten years of experience file your tax return for you for an extra fee.
• Audit Defense: This add-on protects you if the CRA audits you. If this happens, a TurboTax expert will walk you through the process step by step.
• Accuracy Guarantee: If you receive a better refund with another online tax filing software, your copy of TurboTax is free.
• Customer Service: Find the answers to your questions through the online knowledgebase, through their phone support tool, or chat with an expert online.

TurboTax Fees and Costs

TurboTax is not a free product, but you’ll only pay for the software you need since it offers tiered pricing. Here are the options for the paid versions:

Free Version

• Best for: Simple tax return
• Cost: $0
• Availability: Mobile app

Standard

• Best for: Families, students, individuals
• Cost: $19.99
• Availability: Standard features like NETFILE, Auto-fill my return, SmartSearch for deductions, RRSP optimizer, etc.

Premier

• Best for: Landlords and investors
• Cost: $34.99 per return
• Availability: All standard features plus guidance for rental income and deductions

Self-Employed

• Best for: Small business owners
• Cost: $44.99
• Availability: All standard features plus Quickbooks self-employed for free and extra guidance on filing self-employed income

Assist & Review

• Best for: New filers, complex tax situations
• Cost: $69.99 (this is an add-on)
• Availability: All features of software edition of your choice, plus have a tax pro review your return before submitting

Full Service

• Best for: New filers, complex tax situations
• Cost: $99.99
• Availability: Have a TurboTax expert prepare and file your taxes on your behalf.

Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing the right tax software for your needs.

Netfile Approved

Netfile is a service provided by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) which allows you to file your taxes from your computer or device. Ensure that the tax software you are using is Netfile approved. Thankfully, both Turbotax and Simpletax are!

Free, Basic, or Premium

Depending on the complexity of your tax filing and return, you can choose between the free, basic or premium versions. However, each software’s paid versions will offer different perks. So make sure the version you choose has everything you need. Alternatively, you can start with the free version and the online tax software will usually tell you if you need a paid (or advanced) version.

Guarantee

A well-reputed tax software will usually offer a guarantee or “maximum refund”. What this means is that the software is guaranteeing you the lowest tax payable or the highest possible tax refund and are willing to pay you back if some other software can do a better job. In a Wealthsimple tax vs Turbotax situation, both offer a guarantee.

There are no one-size-fits-all solutions when choosing an online tax software, but TurboTax does an excellent job tailoring their experience, so you only pay for the service you need. The extra features make it a good option for Canadians who are nervous about online filing. That said, it isn’t easy to qualify for the free version, so it may not be the best choice if money is tight.

SimpleTax is a good option if you are a confident filer looking to save on costs but isn’t suitable for all Canadians.

Due to its reputation and flexibility, we think that TurboTax is the better online tax filing software for Canadians.