TurboTax vs Wealthsimple Tax vs H&R Block Canada: 2026 Comparison
Choosing tax software in Canada comes down to three real contenders: Wealthsimple Tax, TurboTax Canada, and H&R Block Canada. All three are CRA NETFILE-certified, but they differ on price, support options, and who they’re built for. Here’s how they stack up for the 2026 tax season.
Quick Comparison
| Software | Free Tier | Paid Tiers | In-Person Option | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wealthsimple Tax | Yes — covers investments, self-employment, rental income | Plus ~$40, Pro ~$80 (optional, pay-what-you-can available) | No | Anyone who wants full features for free |
| TurboTax Canada | Yes — basic returns only | Deluxe ~$21–$35, Self-Employed ~$50–$60+ | Expert Assist add-on (remote) | Self-employed filers who want guided, industry-specific prompts |
| H&R Block Canada | Yes — T4 income, RRSP, tuition, basic credits | Deluxe ~$21–$30, Premier ~$45–$50, Self-Employed ~$65–$70 | Yes — ~1,000 physical offices | Filers who want the option to walk into an office |
Wealthsimple Tax
Wealthsimple Tax (formerly SimpleTax) is Canadian-made and NETFILE-certified by both the CRA and Revenu Québec. Its free tier covers scenarios that competitors gate behind paid plans — self-employment income (T2125), rental income, capital gains, and cryptocurrency transactions. It also supports CRA’s ReFILE for amending a return after submission, and typically returns your Notice of Assessment within minutes of filing.
Trade-off: Support is digital-only (email/chat), and the Pro plan isn’t available in Quebec.
TurboTax Canada
TurboTax offers the most guided experience for complex returns, with step-by-step prompts tailored to specific situations — particularly strong for self-employed filers, since it asks industry-specific questions to surface deductions you might miss. It also offers a Full Service tier where a tax expert files for you, plus a 100% accuracy guarantee and a maximum refund guarantee.
Trade-off: Pricing climbs quickly once you need Self-Employed or expert-assisted tiers, and all support is online — no physical office visits.
H&R Block Canada
H&R Block’s advantage is optionality: file the same return online, over chat with an expert, or in person at one of its ~1,000 Canadian offices. Its free tier covers standard T4 income, RRSP contributions, tuition credits, and common deductions. A standout feature is Second Look — H&R Block will review a return you already filed (even with a competitor) and file an adjustment if you missed credits.
Trade-off: Investment income and self-employment require upgrading past the free tier, unlike Wealthsimple Tax.
Which Should You Choose?
- Simple T4 return, want $0: Wealthsimple Tax or H&R Block Free
- Investments, rental income, or crypto, want $0: Wealthsimple Tax
- Self-employed, want maximum guided deduction-finding: TurboTax Self-Employed
- Want the option of walking into an office: H&R Block
- Switching from another platform: H&R Block’s Switch & Save offer often discounts the Deluxe tier
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all three NETFILE certified?
Yes. Wealthsimple Tax, TurboTax Canada, and H&R Block Canada are all CRA NETFILE-certified, meaning you can submit your return directly to the CRA without printing or mailing anything.
Which is truly free for self-employment income?
Wealthsimple Tax is the only one of the three that supports self-employment income (T2125), rental income, and investment income on its free tier. TurboTax and H&R Block both require a paid upgrade for these situations.
Can I switch tax software providers year to year?
Yes — the CRA doesn’t require you to stick with one provider, and your prior-year data can typically be imported via CRA Auto-fill My Return regardless of which software you used last year.
Do any of these offer audit support?
TurboTax and H&R Block both offer paid audit support/protection add-ons. Wealthsimple Tax does not offer a dedicated audit protection product.
Additional Read: FREE income tax clinic
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If you want to learn more about the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB), including who qualifies, how much you could receive, and when payments are issued, visit Tax Service Canada’s Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit Guide. This comprehensive resource explains the eligibility requirements, payment amounts for individuals and families, application details for new residents, and important CRA payment dates. With the CGEB replacing the GST/HST Credit in July 2026 and providing increased support to millions of Canadians, staying informed can help ensure you receive every benefit you are entitled to.
If you receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), now is the time to ensure your benefits continue without interruption. GIS eligibility is reviewed annually, and failing to file your income tax return or complete any required renewal steps could result in your payments being reduced or stopped starting in July 2026. Service Canada uses your most recent income information to determine your eligibility and payment amount for the 2026–2027 benefit year. To avoid delays or disruptions to your monthly GIS payments, review the renewal requirements today. Visit the GIS Renewal page for a complete guide and important updates.
Never miss an Old Age Security payment by bookmarking our dedicated 2026 OAS Payment Schedule page today. Managing your retirement budget is much easier when you know exactly when your funds will arrive in your account. By saving this link, you’ll have instant, one-click access to the most up-to-date distribution dates and any schedule adjustments throughout the year. Stay organized and gain peace of mind by keeping this essential resource right at your fingertips. Bookmark us now and ensure you’re always prepared for your upcoming monthly payments!
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