Certification testing
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The CRA performs a limited annual review of commercially developed tax preparation software packages.
Ufile is free for those with income under $20,000 and for students regardless of income. It’s also free for newcomers to Canada filing their first tax return. Those who don’t qualify for the free version file at $19.99 per return.
For software designed to produce only paper records, our review is limited to examining the actual printed forms. There is no review of the software itself.
Should the tax return not be eligible for electronic filing, you must ensure the return is printed in the proper format. Each year the CRA works with software developers to ensure their products print forms and returns that meet the CRA's technical criteria for software designed to produce paper records. The final printed returns and forms have to be compatible with the CRA's processing systems. It is important that users ensure printers are properly set up and instructions for printing returns are carefully followed.
Some software packages will automatically print a two-dimensional (2D) bar code on page one of the returns. The bar code will enable the CRA to accurately assess the return. Please do not turn off the bar code feature of your software.
Information Circular 97-2, Customized Forms – Returns and Information Slips, provides detailed guidelines for software packages.
This review also includes software that produces records for use in the electronic filing of tax returns. Testing ensures that the software will produce a return that the CRA can process. Among other things, the software must be able to:
- format electronic records according to the CRA's specifications;
- calculate the tax-related fields correctly;
- successfully pass error detection validities built into the system; and
- process all field codes, including the supporting fields necessary for electronic filing.
In mid-November of each year, the CRA provides the certification test returns to each software developer who has asked to be certified for EFILE. The developer uses these returns to test their software.
The CRA allows software developers to view drafts of new or modified forms through a controlled-access Web site. Before having this opportunity, developers must sign a confidentiality agreement with the CRA. The agreement states that developers cannot show their customers these new forms until they are printed and released to the public, usually in December of each year. This advance information allows software developers to create and release timely products that meet the requirements the CRA has established, based on the latest tax legislation.
Once a software developer has completed their product, they can transmit their test returns to the CRA. The CRA evaluates the results and, if the software meets the certification test criteria, issues a confirmation letter to the developer. Only when a developer has received this confirmation letter can the product be marketed as software that is EFILE-certified.
We do not test any tax preparation software products for user friendliness. Direct all comments you have in this regard to your software developer.
Remember, it is always the responsibility of the taxfiler to ensure that the return is complete and accurate, whether or not software was used to prepare it.
Each year millions of Americans miss out on free income tax software editions which allow them to e-file federal tax forms and state tax forms online. The two leading providers of income tax software are TurboTax® and H&R Block®. TaxAct® offers features and guarantees similar to those of the big two.
We receive no compensation for listing these products here. We have been asked for income tax software recommendations in the past so here are three.
Professional Tax Software For Mac
Who qualifies to use the free income tax software?
TaxAct allows you to e-file the most federal IRS forms for free, while TurboTax and H&R Block generally require a fee for more complex income tax returns. If you plan to file IRS Form 1040EZ or Form 1040A, for example, then you will likely qualify to use one or more of these free income tax software editions.
- Have taxable income under $100,000.
- Claim the standard deduction (do not itemize).
- Have just a few forms to file.
Please visit each of the three websites below for the latest updates on their free income tax software. Prices, features, and special promotions change throughout the tax year, and early tax season filers are generally charged a lower price.
TaxAct Free & Premium Income Tax Software
All e-fileable IRS forms absolutely free. Biggest refund guaranteed the fastest way possible. 100% accuracy guaranteed. TaxAct has free tax help and audit support. Simple and complex income tax returns. Itemizers, investments, interest, dividends, sole proprietors, LLC, landlords.
TurboTax Free & Premium Income Tax Software
Tax payers who file a 1040EZ or simple 1040A income tax return can file their federal income tax forms using the TurboTax free edition online. Prepare, print and free e-file your federal and state income tax forms using the largest online income tax preparation center, TurboTax.
Free Software For Mac
H&R Block Free & Premium Income Tax Software
H&R Block has more than 12,500 tax office locations in the United States alone. No other income tax preparation service can compare to their size. Prepare a simple 1040EZ or 1040A online and e-file free.
Remember that higher priced income tax software generally includes expanded support, expert advice, and tax payer interview features, built into the software itself, by online chat, or by phone. Read through any special offer details and pricing to understand which income tax software is best to complete and e-file your income tax forms online.
Need your income tax refund as fast as possible? E-file online and select the direct deposit option from any of the free income tax software providers listed above. The IRS states that 9 out of 10 income tax refunds are issued within 21 days. That's a wait time of 2-3 weeks.
Last updated: January 5, 2019
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