CloudTax vs TaxSlayer

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.

TaxSlayer provides forms, calculations, and resources for preparing and electronically filing federal and state tax returns. Its listed capabilities include self-employment, investment, and rental income, plus audit support. Paid products support the IRS forms, credits, and deductions covered by the software, though business and other specialized situations may not be included. Simply Free is limited to eligible taxpayers, with eligibility based on age, income, credits, and deductions; it includes one federal return and one state return and costs nothing. Users can prepare and file federal and state taxes through the mobile app on a smartphone or tablet, as well as on the web. W-2 and 1099 import is listed, and support instructions describe uploading a PDF copy of a W-2. TaxSlayer lists AES-256 encryption for data in transit and at rest, multi-layer authentication, and a dedicated cybersecurity team. Phone and email support is offered year-round for all packages.