Tech Blog

[#1]

So let's face it, people hate doing taxes.  Even so, there are many people out there who decide to file their own income tax returns every year.  This might seem like a daunting task for some but there are a few different software out there that are intuitive enough for even your average joe -- notably TurboTax 2010.

By now, you've probably heard of TurboTax.  The tax preparation software has been around for years now, along with various others, but TurboTax has always been a step up from competitors and for good reason. In this review I will be focusing on TurboTax 2010 Standard Edition primarily because of its reasonable cost, $39.99.  While some people may veer towards getting one of the many other TurboTax 2010 editions out there, lets focus on common tax returns.  

This goes without saying, TurboTax sets the standard for user-friendly, reliable tax products, and TurboTax 2010 is no different.  Coming from someone who is only just beginning, TurboTax made each and every step easy and informative with step-by-step instructions mapped out for you.  I never felt bogged down or confused while using this software.  In addition, there's even a deduction toolbox available ensuring that you don't overlook any items to claim --  there are 400 available deductions/credits available to Canadians, any one of which you may qualify for.  

Another great and intuitive feature TurboTax 2010 offers is the ability to transfer last year's tax data into this years.  This allows less work by carrying over personal data and carry over amounts from last year's return -- even if you used a different software program no less!  Data can be imported from the following software:

QuickTax desktop software 2009

UFile desktop software 2009

H&R Block desktop software 2009

One of my biggest worries while filing my taxes was making an error in my calculations, but thankfully TurboTax avoids that mess altogether.  In fact, the software reviews your return before you file it and checks for various info including missed deductions and other money-saving opportunities you should take advantage of and qualify for.  

The only notable drawback of TurboTax in general are its steep product prices when compared to competitors who offer similar services at a lower cost.  However, if purchasing TurboTax's Standard edition, there's only a $10-20 difference (other editions can be significantly higher) so the idea of purchasing TurboTax for your common tax return needs is never too outlandish.  

TurboTax 2010 Standard edition has many more features worth noting -- including Audit notifications, Pension Income Splitting optimization , RRSP optimization as we tech support -- so you never have to worry about using other software for services.  For $39.99 you're really getting your money's worth.  

Here's the bottom line, TurboTax 2010 is extremely reliable tax preparation software and makes filing taxes far less overwhelming and intimidating.  This software is accurate and even helps you with claiming what's yours.  Through this experience I've come to realize why so many people across Canada use this piece of software and anyone who hasn't already -- whether seasoned or newcomer -- should try out this helpful piece of software.  

You can find TurboTax on Future Shop's website here. 

[#2]

I've been using Ufile for years, mainly because of its simplicity and like that it's online (so I don't have to buy physical tax preparation software every year).  It's good to see you can import data from Ufile into TurboTax should I ever need more advanced software.  Thanks for the review.

[#3]

Your techies did a nice review of Turbotax, none on Ufile; presumably because with the higher selling price Futureshop earns more on it than Ufile. Beats me why any financially savvy person would waste money buying a $40 or $70 or more program when the $20 Ufile handles everything for the personal return. Rentals, unincorporated business, complex investments, you name it it's in there. Yes if you used Quicktax before (Ufile will read the '09  of course), Ufile will look different the first time you enter data but from then on it's equally easy or even better to use.