Free NETFILE-certified software for your 2025 tax return
All five options below are certified by CRA for NETFILE filing of 2025 T1 returns. You can file your complete return at no cost — no income limit applies to most of these options.
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Free NETFILE software comparison
| Software | Cost | Quebec TP-1 | Platform | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wealthsimple Tax | Free (pay-what-you-want) | Yes | Web | No income limit, supports all forms including T2125, T776, T1135. Best default choice. |
| GenuTax Standard | Free (donations welcome) | No | Windows / Mac desktop | Good choice for privacy-focused users who prefer desktop software. |
| StudioTax | Free (up to 20 returns/year) | Yes | Windows / Mac / iOS / Android | Long-standing free option; supports both T1 and Quebec TP-1. |
| TurboTax Free | Free for simple returns | No | Web | Upsells to paid tiers for rental, self-employment, or complex situations. |
| H&R Block Free | Free basic tier | No | Web | Limited to straightforward T1 returns with no investment or self-employment income. |
Note on free tier restrictions: If your return involves rental income, self-employment, or T1135 foreign asset reporting, verify that the specific plan covers your situation before you start. CRA's official certified software list is the authoritative source for the most current options.
What is NETFILE?
NETFILE is CRA's electronic filing service for individual tax returns. When you file through any NETFILE-certified software, your completed return is transmitted directly and securely to CRA — typically resulting in a refund within 8 business days via direct deposit. There is no paper to mail, no separate submission step.
Not everyone can use NETFILE. First-year filers who have never filed a Canadian return, certain non-residents, and returns requiring specific forms (like deceased taxpayers) may need to paper-file or use EFILE through a tax professional. NETFILE is open for 2025 returns until January 29, 2027.
Full CRA certified software list
The table above covers the major free options. CRA maintains a complete list of all certified software — including paid products — on their website. This list is updated annually as new products are certified.
View CRA's complete certified software list →Common mistakes
Mistake
Starting in TurboTax Free and hitting a paid wall mid-return
TurboTax will prompt you to upgrade if your situation involves rental income, self-employment, or investments. Switching platforms means re-entering all your data from scratch. Check your situation against the free tier before starting.
Mistake
Using last year's software for this year's return
CRA certifies software annually. Software certified for 2024 returns will not submit a 2025 return via NETFILE. Always ensure you're using the 2025-certified version of your chosen software.
Mistake
Quebec residents filing only one return
Quebec residents must file two separate returns: a T1 to CRA and a TP-1 to Revenu Québec. Only Wealthsimple Tax and StudioTax support both returns in their free tier. GenuTax and TurboTax Free do not support the Quebec TP-1.
Quick wins
Quick win
Wealthsimple Tax covers all situations free
For nearly all T1 situations — employment, self-employment, rentals, investments — Wealthsimple Tax is fully free with no income cap. It's the default recommendation for uncomplicated and complex returns alike.
Quick win
Use Auto-fill My Return to save 20+ minutes
Any of these platforms support Auto-fill My Return. Log in with your CRA credentials and the software imports your T4, T5, T3, RRSP slips, and more directly from CRA — saving significant manual entry and reducing errors.
FAQ's
Is NETFILE actually secure?
Yes. NETFILE transmits your return directly to CRA over an encrypted connection — the same standard used for online banking. CRA certifies each software product annually. Your return data is never stored on third-party servers when using NETFILE; the software sends the completed return file directly to CRA. Wealthsimple Tax, GenuTax, and StudioTax are widely used by millions of Canadians each year.Can I switch software after I've started?
Yes, but you'll need to re-enter all your information from scratch — software doesn't export data between platforms. If you've already filed and want to use different software to amend, use ReFILE in your original software instead of switching. The most common reason to switch mid-preparation is discovering your situation requires a paid tier in the platform you started with; switching before filing is fine, just time-consuming.What if I have a complex return?
Wealthsimple Tax handles nearly all T1 situations for free — including rental income, self-employment (T2125), investment gains and losses (T5008), foreign income, and the T1135 foreign asset declaration. For returns requiring professional judgment (corporate structures, trusts, multi-year back-filing, CRA disputes), consult a tax professional. CRA also offers the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) for modest-income individuals with simple returns.When does NETFILE close for 2025?
NETFILE accepts 2025 T1 returns until January 29, 2027. After that date, you can still file a paper return or through a tax professional using the EFILE system (the professional version of NETFILE). The normal 10-year voluntary disclosure window still applies for very late returns. Filing before January 29, 2027 via NETFILE is the fastest path — refunds typically arrive within 8 business days via direct deposit.