TaxFreeway

What TaxFreeway is

TaxFreeway prepares Canadian federal, provincial, and territorial tax returns for individual filers. It supports self-employment and rental income, capital gains, and unlimited tax slips, including T3, T4, and T5. Users can prepare returns in Interview mode, Form mode, or a combination of both. Tools include integrated spousal returns, tax tips, RRSP and split-pension planners, medical expense and donation planners, and a return review. The software supports CRA Auto-fill My Return, NETFILE, ReFILE, Notice of Assessment through Tax Software Service, and address and direct-deposit changes. Returns are prepared and saved on the user's computer; the company says its website does not collect or store personal financial information. It is available for iOS, macOS, and Windows. Users with total family income of $20,000 or less can prepare and NETFILE a return at no cost. A Windows installer can also be tried free, but NETFILE and print features remain disabled until a product key is activated. Windows product keys cost $9.95, paid once, and Mac keys cost $14.95, paid once, each covering up to 20 returns for the current tax year. The 3-in-1 key costs $2,020, paid once and activates iPad, Windows, and Mac for up to 20 returns.

Who it suits

TaxFreeway suits individual filers preparing Canadian federal, provincial, or territorial returns, including those with self-employment, rental income, or capital gains. It can also suit filers who want Interview and Form entry options, CRA filing services, or planners for common tax calculations.

Limits

The free option applies to users with total family income of $20,000 or less. The free Windows trial disables NETFILE and printing until product key activation; paid keys cover up to 20 returns for the current tax year. Quebec TP-1 returns and electronic transmission of forms T217, T2057, T2059, and UHT2900 are excluded.

Getting started

1. Visit the TaxFreeway website.
2. Choose iOS, macOS, or Windows.
3. For a free Windows trial, download the Windows installer.
4. Use the free option if your total family income is $20,000 or less.
5. Buy and activate a product key to enable NETFILE and printing on the Windows trial.
6. For Windows support, email [email protected].

Verdict

Choose TaxFreeway if you need Canadian individual tax preparation with support for varied income types and CRA filing services. Look elsewhere if you need Quebec TP-1 returns or electronic transmission of the excluded forms; the Windows trial also keeps NETFILE and printing locked until activation.