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Email this11:18 pm
October 5, 2009
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It's income tax time again, and as in years past, the FREE consumer version of Studio Tax will be available for download within the next two weeks at:
http://www.studiotax.com/en/main.htm
Studio Tax is a professional software package offered for personal use, absolutely free with no strings attached, apart from the fact that the free version is limited to about 20 Returns! And if you are grateful for their generosity, you are invited to express your gratitude by making a donation. I usually send them a $10 donation each year as an expression of my gratitude; although the software is not in any way tied to a donation, and will work every bit as well, if you send them nothing.
I have now been using Studio Tax for a number of years' and couldn't be more pleased with their product.
Many years ago, I used Inuit's obnoxious buggy Quick Tax with it's activation nonsense, and numerous updates; but it was SO bad, that started doing my/our income tax by hand; and found that doing it manually saved me a number of hours over struggling with Quick Tax.
Studio Tax has turned out to be a pretty wonderful alternative to Quick Tax, or doing it the hard way.
1:40 pm
Also available and totally free as well is the Canadian tax preparation outfit called " udotaxes " - udotaxes.com
5:11 pm
guest said:
how do these outfits make money? is it all ad-based?
For StudioTax: They have Google Ads, as well as sponsored ads (like Simply Accounting) on their website. Also, they take donations. It is freeware, but since they don't publish the source code, they might just upload your tax information to their servers and sell it to the highest bidder .
I have used them since 2007 to verify my paper returns and they also allow you to Netfile your taxes. I did use Quick Tax before and Quick Tax has more features to try to coax information out of you to suggest possible tax savings that you may be missing out on. Studio Tax is basically just like filling out your paper return with a few added Wizards but it does not go to the same extent of trying to find out from you whether you can take advantage of any new or existing tax laws to save more money. I think it's a great program for people with fairly simple tax situations or know the tax laws pretty well. If your tax situation is not simple and you don't know the tax laws, then either Quick Tax or a tax professional would probably serve you better (I am biased towards the latter over the former).
10:14 pm
Indeed Stan. Last year I also used Quicktax a.k.a Turbo Tax for my 2009 tax return. But after testing Studio Tax and UdoTaxes, I said wow, these FREE tax software are the real deal. (I prefer using Studio Tax as I find their user interface more user friendly) This 2011, for my 2010 tax, i encourage you guys to use either Studio Tax or UdoTaxes. QuickTax/TurboTax cost me last year $29.99. Not this year, no more. Better use that money for something else!
2:00 pm
October 5, 2009
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guest said:
how do these outfits make money? is it all ad-based?
"How do these outfits make money?";
Very simple. They invite grateful customers to respond by making a contribution, in expression of their gratitude for being given a REALLY great tax program, absolutely free!
While, with my somewhat dismal view of society, I expect that only a small percentage of users actually contribute so much as a plug nickel in favour of their benefactors. I am one of those who regularly contribute to the program, keeping in mind that the program is often used by those who can't afford to pay, but still need the program for those refunds and benefits that are only available by filing income tax. :frown: And amongst contributors to Studio Tax, is admin of this website.
Notwithstanding all of the freebie stuff, Studio Tax also markets a professional version of their program, which really differs little from the freebie consumer version, with the exception of the e-filing limit.
And if I recall correctly, they are also a thriving accounting firm.
5:51 pm
looks like its a bit early to get the 2010 certified edition
as per StudioTax website (http://www.studiotax.com/en/main.htm) :
When the certified version will be available ?
We do not know. It depends on CRA certification process. For the past 6 years, StudioTax was certified a couple of days before or after the start of filing season(mid February).
anyway, strange.... coz i intend to use this thing coz its free. and that's it.
and then when i think after reading Stan's comment. i am convinced to make a little donation to the StudioTax developers. i am trying to say, Stan, you convinced me.
6:01 pm
November 8, 2009
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I tried an online tax program about 6 years ago and ended up getting audited and paying a chunk to good old CRA. Have they improved since my experience? Is it secure? Do they have access to your personal info and financial data? I would love to find a secure and safe program since I am paying a tax preparer now for doing my kids and my return and the price steadily rises each year. I dont consider my return complicated and my kids are students. I would be pleased to make a donatio for a secure and efficient software program!
10:38 pm
dear kilarney,
oh thats kinda trouble in your experience then 6 yr ago.
but that question of yours now, i dont know.
see, i used quicktax/turbo tax last year.
but im gonna go for studiotax this year.
i cannot really be sure (even if their[studiotax] websites says so) if our information is secured. so i think we just have to assume (sorry) those studiotax
guys are goodguys!
6:36 am
Thanks for these leads on free tax software/sites! For someone with a simple return this will be an excellent money saver.
10:52 am
December 12, 2008
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I suppose one still cannot submit returns to Revenu Quebec with this software?
djino
"Or is it still useless to Quebec Residence"
8:53 pm
December 23, 2011
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Prag said
Thanks for these leads on free tax software/sites! For someone with a simple return this will be an excellent money saver.
Here is a good article about Income Tax software. Hope it helps.
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