StudioTax vs UFile (2026): which should you pick?

Pick StudioTax if

• Fits if you file Canadian returns for your own household on a computer or phone
• Works for people under $20,000 of income who want to file free

Look elsewhere if

• Not for you if you prepare clients' returns, as CRA rules bar it and a separate Enterprise edition exists
• Watch out: the Mac version lists no Revenu Québec certification
• Tight if you file every year, as a new license is needed each tax year, per computer
• Watch out: licenses are refundable within 30 days only if not activated

Pick UFile if

• Fits if you have a simple Canadian return and want to file free
• Works for students and people with family income under $20,000

Look elsewhere if

• Tight if your return is not simple, as the free route needs one T4 or a government pension and standard credits
• Watch out: the pages show 'starting at' prices only, and the final price and basis are not published
• Watch out: the Windows edition has no online storage
• Not for you if you prepare returns for others or for corporations, as UFile PRO and UFileT2 are separate products with no prices

StudioTax

• A new license is needed for every tax year; it is per computer, covers 10 returns, and the 2025 license also works for 2020 to 2024 versions.
• The Mac version does not have Revenu Québec certification listed; Windows, iOS and Android do.
• Tax preparers cannot use it for clients' returns under CRA rules; a separate Enterprise edition exists at studiotax.ca.
• Licenses are refundable within 30 days only if not activated.

UFile

• The pages show only 'starting at' prices ($20.95, $26.99, $32.95); the final price and its basis are not published on the pages read.
• The Windows edition is Windows only and has no online storage; the online edition works in any browser.
• Free filing for students uses a code from the Canadian Federation of Students, and the low-income route applies under $20,000 total family income.
• UFile PRO, for tax preparers, and UFileT2 for corporations are separate products with no prices on the pages read.

StudioTax

Runs on your device

The site says returns are saved on your own drive and no information leaves your computer.

NETFILE and ReFILE

Windows, Mac, iOS and Android versions carry CRA certification for NETFILE, ReFILE and Auto-fill my return.

Wide coverage

Covers simple returns through self-employment and rental income, with a restrictions page listing uncommon situations it does not handle.

Linked returns

Returns for couples can be linked and prepared together.

One version

A single edition has all features, with the CRA's maximum of 20 returns.

UFile

Auto-fill my return

Downloads tax information from most CRA slips into the return.

NETFILE certified

Returns can be filed electronically with the CRA and Revenu Québec.

Triple guarantee

UFile advertises guarantees of accuracy, satisfaction and the best tax result.

Free filing for some

Simple returns, first-time filers, students and low-income families can file at no charge, as the file-for-free page describes.

Online storage

The online edition stores and lets you access a return for 9 years; the Windows edition keeps data on your computer.

Free phone and email support

Telephone support is included at no extra charge, with Premium adding priority and chat.

StudioTax

• Free$0

  For income under $20,000 (combined $40,000 for linked returns) and residents of the northern territories.

• License$17.50

  per tax year, for up to 10 returns, per computer

  Needed before printing or filing; a second license covers 10 more returns, CRA allows 20 per computer.

UFile

• UFile Online$20.95

  starting at, per tax return; basis not stated on the page

  Start for free and pay only when ready to NETFILE; free email and telephone support.

• UFile Premium$32.95

  starting at, per tax return; basis not stated on the page

  Online edition plus priority email, telephone and chat support and exclusive benefits.

• UFile Windows$26.99

  starting at, per tax return; basis not stated on the page

  Installed on Windows 11; data stays on your computer; no online storage.

StudioTax

• Other savings

  Free for income under $20,000

  Individuals with line 15000 income under $20,000 and residents of NT, YT and NU need no license.

UFile

• Education

  Free for post-secondary students

  Under an arrangement with the Canadian Federation of Students, eligible post-secondary students can print or NETFILE free.

• Other savings

  Free for simple and low-income returns

  Returns with one T4 or a government pension, first-time filers and families with income under $20,000 file free.