FutureTax review
A Windows tax tool for Canadian families needing filing, planning and optimizer features.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
FutureTax is desktop Canadian tax-preparation software for individuals and families, with a separate EFILE edition for professional tax preparers. Its T1 NETFILE edition supports electronic filing to the Canada Revenue Agency or printing paper returns, including self-employment and rental income. It is designed for Canadian households with more involved filing needs, such as family returns, dependant claims, investment income and foreign-property reporting. The software runs locally on Windows computers, and tax files are stored on the user's computer rather than in a vendor-hosted account.
Its freemium structure gives eligible families a no-license-key option when total family income is less than $10,000. The paid plan lineup is organized by return volume: 1 Return, 2 Returns, 10 Returns and 20 Returns each include a T1 NETFILE filing license. Professional preparers can choose 10 Returns EFILE, 50 Returns EFILE or 100 Returns EFILE, each with a T1 EFILE filing license. This makes FutureTax more suitable for users who need several returns or professional filing capacity than for someone seeking a browser-based tax service.
The strongest functional advantage is breadth within Canadian personal tax preparation. Forms-based entry is paired with CRA Auto-fill, paper-return printing, PDF output with a 2D barcode, T1135 submission, spouse and dependant support, and targeted optimizers for pensions, donations and medical expenses. The what-if tax planner also suits advanced planners comparing possible outcomes. However, the Windows-only design narrows access, and Quebec provincial TP-1 returns are unsupported. Choose FutureTax for local desktop filing and detailed planning tools; choose an alternative if you need mobile or browser access, Quebec TP-1 support, or audit assistance.
Questions about FutureTax
Does FutureTax have a free plan? Yes: the Free eligible family return plan is free.
What does FutureTax run on? Windows. It runs as a desktop app.
Who is FutureTax built for? Solo users and small businesses (our editorial estimate).
FutureTax pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free eligible family filing includes CRA Auto-fill and NETFILE
- Supports self-employment, rental income, T1135 and family returns
- Includes what-if planning and pension, donation and medical optimizers
- Where it doesn't
- Windows-only software limits platform accessibility
- Quebec provincial TP-1 returns are unsupported
- Terms disclaim responsibility for audit consequences
FutureTax fact sheet, pricing and score →
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