StudioTax

StudioTax is Canadian personal tax software for individuals filing their own returns or a small number for people they know. Its broad return support and desktop data storage are appealing, but return caps and platform-specific Quebec limits matter.

Overview

StudioTax handles Canadian returns from straightforward filings to self-employment and rental income. It supports CRA NETFILE, ReFILE, printed returns, amended returns, Auto-fill my return, and Express Notice of Assessment. That makes it useful beyond basic filing, though it is not for professional client work: tax professionals cannot use its NETFILE software for client returns.

The desktop software saves returns on the computer, and StudioTax says no personal information leaves the computer. That suits filers who prefer local storage. The trade-off is that it imports only StudioTax returns; information from other tax programs must be transferred manually.

Key features

• Multiple filing routes: NETFILE, ReFILE, and printed returns give individuals electronic and paper options, with support for amended returns as well.
• Foreign income: Form T1135 is supported in the Windows and Mac versions, a useful distinction for filers who need it.
• Quebec filing: Windows, iOS, and Android are certified for Revenu Québec NETFILE and printed returns. The Mac version does not support Quebec provincial returns.
• Return handling: Auto-fill my return and Express Notice of Assessment are supported. The software's import restriction makes switching from another tax program less convenient.
• Help: StudioTax directs users to its documentation and offers email support at [email protected].

Pricing

StudioTax is freemium. Eligible users can pay free under the Free eligible users plan: it applies to people with income of $20,000 or less and residents of the northern territories, subject to StudioTax's calculation rules. That is a meaningful option for qualifying filers, but it is not a general free plan.

The StudioTax 2025 license has custom pricing and covers up to 10 returns. CRA requirements also limit filing to 20 returns per computer, so the license is aimed at personal use or a small number of returns for relatives and friends, not a high-volume practice. Confirm eligibility and the applicable return cap before relying on the free option.

Platforms

StudioTax is available for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows, but feature coverage varies. 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 does not handle Quebec provincial returns. Windows, iOS, and Android support Quebec NETFILE and printed returns; Windows and Mac support T1135.

Who it's for

StudioTax is a fit for Canadian individuals who want support for self-employment, rental income, or amended returns, and for those who value desktop storage. It is also worth considering for users who qualify for its free plan. Look elsewhere if you need professional client filing, a seamless import from another tax program, Mac-based Quebec returns, or more than the personal license allows.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Supports self-employment and rental income, extending its usefulness beyond simple returns.
• Pro: Desktop returns stay on the computer, according to StudioTax.
• Pro: NETFILE, ReFILE, printed returns, and amended returns offer several filing routes.
• Con: The personal license covers only 10 returns, and CRA rules cap filing at 20 per computer.
• Con: Returns from competing tax programs must be transferred manually.
• Con: Mac is English-only and lacks Quebec provincial returns, while older Windows releases are unsupported.

Alternatives

For a different platform or tax-filing market, consider WISO Steuer, whose test version can be tried with all functions before payment is requested on submission. H&R Block Online is a web, iOS, and Android alternative with a free plan limited to simple tax situations and Form 1040. Taxfix is another option, with a Basic individual annual plan at €39.99 a year and free use until submission.

1040.com may suit readers seeking a web-based option with one flat price for federal and state returns, including Schedule C self-employment filing. Cash App Taxes is worth considering for free federal and state filing that includes self-employment and investment income. For a web-based alternative, ClearTax has a Salary plan at ₹599 a month plus taxes for salaried employees with a single Form 16. TaxAct offers free federal filing for eligible standard returns, with state filing additional. TurboTax offers a free edition for simple Form 1040 returns.

Browse Tax Preparation Software or Personal Tax Software for more options.

Verdict

Choose StudioTax if you file Canadian personal returns, need support beyond simple income, and value keeping desktop data on your computer. Its main advantages are range of return types and multiple filing routes; its return limits, manual migration, and uneven Quebec support are strong reasons to look elsewhere.