SimpleFile
SimpleFile: A free CRA filing service for eligible Canadians with straightforward returns. Ranked #113 of 123 in Personal Tax Software by our editors (3.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for simple free Canadian returns.
At a glance
- Editor score3.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forSimple free Canadian returns
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Self-employment supportNo
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free digital, phone and paper filing options
- Uses CRA-held information to help complete returns
- Includes federal and provincial filing outside Quebec
Where it doesn't
- Does not support self-employment income
- Does not support rental income
- Quebec provincial returns must be filed separately
Our verdict on SimpleFile
SimpleFile is a free Canada Revenue Agency filing service for eligible individuals with lower incomes and simple tax situations. It uses answers to a short series of questions, along with information already held by the CRA, to complete and process an income tax and benefit return. Filing is available digitally through a web form, by phone, or on paper. Digital filing is available with or without an invitation for eligible users, while phone and paper filing require an invitation.
The single SimpleFile plan costs nothing and does not require users to complete forms or calculations when filing through SimpleFile Digital. The question-based workflow is designed around the information the CRA already has, which can reduce the amount of information users need to enter. Federal and provincial or territorial filing is included for residents outside Quebec. SimpleFile runs in the cloud and is available through the web rather than as a mobile app.
Its main trade-off is scope. SimpleFile supports specified income sources, including Canadian-source interest income, but it does not support self-employment or rental income. Quebec residents also need to file their provincial return separately through Revenu Québec. That makes SimpleFile a suitable choice for eligible people whose tax situation fits its supported questions and CRA-held information. People with business income, rental income, or more complex filing needs should choose a tax service with broader return coverage.
SimpleFile pricing
All 1 SimpleFile plans and prices →
SimpleFile fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Self-employment support | No |
| Investment income | Yes |
| Rental income | No |
| State filing | Included |
| Mobile access | Web_only |
| Audit support | Not verified |
| Deployment | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | canada.ca |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to SimpleFile
- TurboTaxA broad US tax filing suite with free simple returns and paid expert support.9.3
- H&R Block OnlineA flexible tax-filing service with free simple returns and guided expert help.9.0
- TaxActA broad US tax filing option with free entry, paid coverage, and expert help.8.8
See all SimpleFile alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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