CloudTax vs StudioTax

CloudTax is tax-filing software from CloudTax Inc., based in Toronto, Ontario. It supports self-guided filing and options with review or preparation, and completed returns are submitted to the CRA through NETFILE. The Free plan supports simple tax situations and up to two returns; users can choose to pay even $0. Plus costs $39 a year and allows up to 20 returns from one dashboard. The software supports self-employment, investment, and rental income. It can import CRA slips, use AI to extract details from scanned or uploaded tax documents, and connect with Koinly crypto taxes and CloudReceipts. CloudReceipts captures, categorizes, and manages receipts and syncs expenses for deductions. CloudTax is available on iOS and Android, with web and mobile access. Tax data is encrypted on its servers, and CloudTax says it shares information only with the CRA when the user submits a return through NETFILE. Support options include live chat, email, video tutorials, and tax experts. CloudTax has been CRA-certified since the 2018 tax year.

StudioTax prepares and files Canadian personal income tax returns, from simple situations to returns involving self-employment or rental income. It supports CRA NETFILE, ReFILE, printed returns, Auto-fill my return, and Express Notice of Assessment. The personal license covers up to 10 returns, while CRA requirements limit filing to 20 returns per computer. The software is intended for individuals doing their own returns or preparing a small number for relatives and friends; tax professionals cannot use its NETFILE software for client returns. Desktop versions save returns on the computer, and StudioTax says personal information does not leave the computer. Windows and Mac versions support the T1135 foreign income form. 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. StudioTax is free for eligible residents of Northwest Territories, Yukon, or Nunavut and for individuals with income of $20,000 per year or less, subject to its calculation rules. Returns from other tax programs must be transferred manually. StudioTax is based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.