Stop overpaying for someone else to do this for you. If you only have T4 slips and no complicated tax situation, you can easily file your own taxes online using TurboTax Free. The program walks you through everything step by step so you do not need tax experience.
What TurboTax Free Is
• TurboTax Free is an online tax filing program
• It is designed for simple tax returns like employment income from T4s
• You can file your return at no cost if your situation is basic (there may be a small charge for extra things such as union fees or RRSPs – but it’s still way less than a tax professional would charge!)
• It works for Alberta residents and files directly with the CRA online
What You Need Before You Start
• Your T4 slip(s) from your employer and any other tax slips you have
• Your Social Insurance Number
• Your date of birth and current address
• Your CRA My Account login if you have one (optional but helpful)
How to File Your Taxes Step by Step
• Go to the TurboTax Canada website and choose TurboTax Free
• Create an account or sign in
• Answer the simple questions about your life situation
• Enter the information from your T4 slip or import it directly from CRA
• The program automatically calculates your refund or balance owing
• Review everything and submit your return electronically
Why It Is Easy
• The program explains everything in plain language
• You just follow the prompts and fill in the boxes
• It checks for errors before you submit
• You do not need to know tax rules or math
After You File
• Your tax return is sent directly to the CRA
• If you are getting a refund, it is usually deposited within a couple of weeks
• You can save a copy of your return for your records
Who This Works Best For
• People with only T4 income
• Students with part time jobs
• Anyone with a simple tax situation
• First time tax filers
Note that if you have children, you will just need their full names & birthdates to add. A complicated tax situation would be someone with their own business – small business taxes can be done on here too though at a fraction of the cost of an accountant – as long as you know the total of your expenses for the year, it walks you though that too!
If your taxes stay basic, filing them yourself with TurboTax is one of the fastest and easiest ways to get it done without paying anyone to do it for you. Visit the TurboTax website here for more info/to get started.
Photo credit: money.com