Wealthsimple Tax
Free to file — pay what you want, starting at $0
Free to file — even investments and self-employment
Visit Wealthsimple Tax Pricing source2025 Tax Year · Canada
Wealthsimple Tax vs TurboTax vs H&R Block
The three names most Canadians actually choose between. The short version: Wealthsimple Tax files free even with investments or self-employment, TurboTax is the most polished and has the deepest expert help, and H&R Block is the only one with real offices to walk into.
2factors won by Wealthsimple Tax
2factors won by TurboTax
3factors won by H&R Block
Prices checked June 13, 2026 for the 2025 tax year — confirm current pricing on each provider's site.
TurboTax
Free for simple returns; DIY tiers about $30–$70; expert help extra
The most polished DIY experience, with expert options
Visit TurboTax Pricing sourceH&R Block Online
Free DIY tier; paid tiers about $30–$70; optional expert review or in-office
Low-cost DIY with a real office to fall back on
Visit H&R Block Online Pricing sourceSide by side
Three tools, 10 factors
| Factor | Wealthsimple Tax | TurboTax | H&R Block |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple T4 return | Free — pay what you want | Free tier (simple returns only) | Free tier (T4 + common credits) |
| Investments & capital gains | Free — included on the pay-what-you-want tier | Premier tier, about $50 | Premier tier, about $49.99 |
| Self-employment (T2125) | Free — included | Self-Employed tier, about $70 | Self-Employed tier, about $69.99 |
| Guided, hand-held experience | Clean and quick, but lighter hand-holding | The most polished step-by-step interview in Canada | Solid guided flow |
| Have an expert check or file it | Pro tier ($80) — one expert consult, English only | Assist & Review (~$70–$150) or Full Service (~$120–$315) | Online expert from ~$49.99, or a person in an office from ~$54.99 |
| In-person / retail offices | None | None | Nationwide H&R Block offices — the only one here |
| Mobile apps | Web only (no current app) | Web + iOS + Android | Web (browser) |
| Quebec (TP-1) | Files the TP-1; Pro consult not offered in Quebec | Files the TP-1; Full Service not offered in Quebec | Files the TP-1; offices available for in-person help |
| Audit protection | Included on Plus ($40) and Pro ($80) | Bundled with the assisted tiers | Bundled with expert help |
| NETFILE & max returns | CRA-certified · up to 20 | NETFILE · up to 20 | NETFILE · up to 20 |
Highlighted cell = the stronger option on that factor. Verified at each provider's own pricing page on June 13, 2026; prices change through the season.
The real divide is price vs hand-holding
For a plain T4 return, all three are free and all three NETFILE straight to the CRA — there is no wrong answer. The differences show up the moment your return gets more interesting. Wealthsimple Tax keeps everything free: investments, capital gains, rental, even self-employment, all on its pay-what-you-want tier. With TurboTax and H&R Block, those same situations push you up to a Premier tier (about $50) or a Self-Employed tier (about $70). If your only question is "what is the cheapest way to file a complete, certified return," the answer is Wealthsimple Tax, full stop.
What you pay extra for
The premium options buy you a smoother ride and a safety net. TurboTax has the most polished step-by-step interview and two tiers of human help — Assist & Review (an expert checks your work) and Full Service (an expert files it for you). H&R Block matches the online expert review and adds the one thing neither competitor has: physical offices. If "I want to hand my shoebox of slips to a person" describes you, H&R Block is the natural pick. Two Quebec caveats worth repeating: TurboTax Full Service is not offered in Quebec, and Wealthsimple's Pro consult is not available in Quebec or French.
So which should you pick?
You want to file free
Wealthsimple Tax. Free even with investment or self-employment income, and it stays free as your situation gets more complex.
You want the smoothest DIY
TurboTax. The most guided experience, strong mobile apps, and an easy step up to expert help if you get stuck.
You want a human / an office
H&R Block. The only one with retail offices — plus affordable online expert review from about $49.99.
You're in Quebec
All three file the TP-1. For DIY, Wealthsimple Tax is free; if you want a person, H&R Block's offices are the most reliable route.
Before you file, run the numbers:
Frequently asked questions
Is Wealthsimple Tax really free, even with investments?
Yes. Wealthsimple Tax is pay-what-you-want — you can file a complete personal return for $0, including investment, capital-gains, rental and self-employment income. TurboTax and H&R Block also have free tiers, but theirs cover only simple returns; the moment you add investment or self-employment income they push you to a paid tier (about $50–$70).
Which is better for self-employed or freelance income?
If cost is the priority, Wealthsimple Tax handles the T2125 for free. If you want guidance or an expert to review it, TurboTax Self-Employed (about $70, with optional Assist & Review) or H&R Block (Self-Employed tier ~$69.99, or an in-office expert) are the stronger hand-holding options. Run your numbers first with our income tax calculator.
I want a human to do my taxes — TurboTax or H&R Block?
Both offer it. TurboTax Full Service hands your return to an expert online (about $120–$315 depending on complexity, and not available in Quebec). H&R Block is the only one of the three with physical offices — so if you want to sit across from someone, it wins. For a lighter touch, TurboTax Assist & Review or H&R Block’s online expert (from ~$49.99) just check the return you prepared.
Which works best for a Quebec resident?
All three file the Quebec TP-1. The catch is on the assisted tiers: TurboTax Full Service is not offered in Quebec, and Wealthsimple’s Pro expert consult is not available in Quebec or in French. So for DIY, Wealthsimple Tax is free and fine; if you want a human in Quebec, H&R Block’s offices are the most reliable route.
Are these prices current?
Prices were checked on June 13, 2026 for the 2025 tax year. Tax-software pricing shifts through the season — tiers discount early and rise toward the deadline, and promos rotate. Confirm the live price on each provider’s page (linked below) before you buy. See our full tax-software comparison and methodology.
Prices and features verified June 13, 2026 at each provider's own site (linked above). Editorial assessments reflect cost, breadth and help options — never sold. See how we make money and choose products.