Tech Blog

[#1]

If you're like many Canadians you've found a tax product that you feel comfortable with and you've stuck with it. For me, the big familiar QuickTax logo is a relief every year; I know what I'll be getting in the box and the type of experience I can expect on my computer.

This year will be a bit different for me; I've got a brand new operating system to test out in Windows 7. Let's see how QuickTax stands up to the test.

Cash Manager included.

Future Shop is offering a unique bundle of QuickTax Standard and Quicken Cash Manager this year. This is a pretty awesome value, as you'll get the benefit out of QuickTax at tax time, and out of Cash Manager year round.

Cash Manager is budgeting software that's designed to help you manage your personal finances. It's a great way to collect all of your accounts together, see what you're spending, and how you could optimize your cash flow for greater savings. You can set goals and get a real-time analysis of how you're doing at any time. Cash Manager is an excellent value and a smart addition to QuickTax.

Installation
Autoplay has been making life easy on Windows for 15 years and this year's QuickTax is no different. After inserting the DVD into my drive, the disc automatically started setup.exe. Four clicks and four minutes later, QuickTax was installed.

Running QuickTax for the first time will prompt you for the serial number. You'll either need Internet access or access to a telephone for automated authorization. I opted for Internet activation and was activated in less than 20 seconds.

20 returns
When you've activated you'll find a notice that states that your copy of QuickTax Standard is eligible to file 20 returns in total. 8 of those returns can be for those with income over over $25,000, with the remaining 12 good for returns under $25,000. This limit is imposed by the Canadian Revenue Agency; should you need additional returns there are options for purchase in-store and online.

Registration and updates.
When QuickTax launches you'll be prompted to register. Doing so is essential as it allows you to download needed updates for the NETFILE service. Registration is quick and painless and makes you eligible for the Audit Defense service (not available in Quebec) that puts a tax professional in your corner should you be audited after a QuickTax-based return.

At the time of writing a 6MB update was available. It took roughly 20 seconds to download on Shaw's high-speed service.

Starting your return.
Whether you're starting from scratch or continuing from last year, you're ready to go at this point. In my case QuickTax found and imported my 2008 return easily. If it doesn't find it you can browse for your .tax file in order to import details. If you don't want to import a return you can start fresh and manually input your data. Likewise, when you're at the next step you can choose to fill out forms manually or use EasyStep. I've used EasyStep for five years and it's always been handy for me, so that's what I chose.

EasyStep is easier than ever.
The EasyStep program has been improved with a new user interface and questions that update on-the-fly. This makes it easier than ever to get through a return quickly. Friendly icons are used to help walk you through questions and the interview process is quicker than ever. At the end of the interview you're given a chance to double-check your answers to make sure everything's ready to go.

I registered with epost from Canada Post for my T4, so I used the Automated Tax Return to import my form. If you don't have access to ATR, you can punch the numbers in manually (something I've done for the past four years without a problem).

You'll find an easy to follow set of tabs at the top of the screen that will help you keep track of how far you are along. Progressing from your T4 you'll be able to cover RRSP contributions, available deductions (new home owners and home renovators will enjoy their tax credits this year) as well as provincial taxes. Finally, you can review your tax info, check for errors and possible missed deductions, and then file on paper on via NETFILE.

Things I like.
One of the things I like about QuickTax 2009 Standard the most is the running total for your refund in the top right corner. Being able to see it adjusted in real time really helps, and the one-click connection to a detailed tax summary is quite handy.

In addition, Intuit has also included live links to their Live Community, letting you both ask and answer questions with fellow QuickTax users. Even with a handy product like QuickTax you'll still occasionally find language that stumps you, so having other users on your side is a great tool.

Get it done!
One of the most prominent reasons that Canadians put their taxes off is the perceived pain they imagine when thinking about spending a night with their tax software. With QuickTax I spent more time writing this article than I did doing my taxes.

Your tax software is a matter of personal preference, but I can say without hesitation that QuickTax has done a great job for me again this year. It does include file translators for other tax software, so if you are moving over from another program you won't have difficulty. For first-time tax filers or for those who have used QuickTax before, you'll find the experience refined and improved. There's a lot to like here, so give it a go. Happy tax filing!

[#2]

I get that you're a retailer and all, but Intuit has given its customers the big raspberry with their ridiculous pricing. Ufile and Studiotax are cheaper (or free in Studiotax's case) and do the exact same job as QuickTax.

Let's have some neutrality in these blog posts please.

I get that you're a retailer and all, but Intuit has given its customers the big raspberry with their ridiculous pricing. Ufile and Studiotax are cheaper (or free in Studiotax's case) and do the exact same job as QuickTax.

Smart consumers please look around before relying on retailers blogs when making your purchasing decisions!

[#3]

Graham is not a Future Shop employee, nor is he paid for writing these blogs.  The blogs that are written here are done so by the writer's own free will. 

You really shouldn't assume there is some kind of hidden agenda here   Graham has written this blog because he likes QuickTax and thinks it's a great program.

[#4]

I'm actually going to be posting a review of UFile later as well. Believe it or not, I'm not paid a penny for these blogs, just like Juice0904 has said. I'm up til the wee hours on a regular basis writing them because I like writing and I think that perhaps people might benefit from them.

As for the pricing; that's really a decision that's up to you. I've used QuickTax every year for the last half decade (you can see the proof in the picture on the blog). I personally really like the QuickTax experience - and no, they don't pay me to say that.

However, in order to be fair I've gone out and gotten a copy of UFile as well. If that doesn't make me impartial I don't know what will. So hopefully you'll find that you can trust my review.

Thanks for the feedback.

Edit: spelling. It's nearly 1am, cut me some slack.

[#5]

Do you know if there a catch on the cash manager? Do we have to pay after a year to continue using Cash Manager?

Thanks

[#6]

Hi Jijy,

Geoff here from the QuickTax team.  It's a full version of Quicken; identical to the version you can purchase separately. Of note, QuickTax will import data from Quicken, which will help save time inputting information as you prepare your taxes.

Cheers,

Geoff

[#7]

Really look forward to getting your review of Ufile. I also have used QuickTax over many years but Ufile pricing is so much better. Any chance to get your review sooner than later? Many thanks again

[#8]

I have been using quicktax for a few years and it is better than others. This year it is giving me a printing problem. At the end of the Easy Step, the program was looking for something like "QuickTax 2009.msi"  Article ID 4129 in their knowledge base has the answer. Uninstall and reinstall again is the answer. Fine. I called their support line this morning and spoke to a " techie from another country". My concern is what happened to the installation key and how many time I can reinstall in the same computer (not a different one) if the same printing problem happens again.  I was told I can install this twice but have to call in(not internet activation) to "activate" the program. I was told, after 2 installs, I have to buy a new program. I told him that " you guys mess it up and this is the consumers' fault? Why can't you guys just do an update instead of reinstalling the whole program again and have the customers risk the installation headache" The guy on the other side said, " IF YOU DON'T LIKE THIS, YOU CAN BUY SOMEONE ELSE PROGRAM." I repeatedly ask him if that's what he said and the answer was yes. I tried their customer service hotline and where did I ended up? The same oversea phone. I just might take this guy's advice and go somewhere else.

[#9]

I found out the culprit of the printing problem. Registration. I bought the program earlier than usual this year to work on the RRSP. When installing the program, I simply ignored the registration and thought to do it later. What a mistake. To make the story short, I just register the program half an hour ago and updated. A message pop up to tell me to reinstall. I thought the worst is I to re-enter the data again in Ufile or 'H&R Block at Home', if the activation mess up. Some how the reinstall took less than 3 seconds. I thought this is strange. I tried to print and this time the Quick Tax 2009.msi error message is gone and the whole T1 was printed with not 1 page was skipped.  Geoff, could you tell your company's techie to tell any customers who called to register the program first prior to inputting  data and save everyone's time or even worse, losing long time customers to other companies.

[#10]

So is QuickTax and CashManager two separate installs in this package?

Can Quicktax be uninstalled after the tax year, but keep cash manager installed?

Can i install cash manager on more than one computer at home?

[#11]

I am a CRA employee and have been given the option to use Ufile software free since 2007. What a joke, half way through the first return for my family I quit the program, uninstalled it and went out and purchased Quicktax. The only issue I had with Quicktax was in 2007 you could only use 2 returns for over $25000 and I had to purchase more. That has now been corrected and 8 for over $25000 can be used. Have been using Quicktax or its predesssors since 1985.

[#12]

I used to use Quick Tax and stop using after the last time when they took it down to two returns.  This was the second time they did that a while ago they limited to 3.  So after the last time I looked around for an alternative and found Ufile and am pleased with it.  I just can't trust Quick Tax to make a change like that again.

[#13]

I have been a fan and user of QuickTax for years, as far back as when it used to be on 3 1/2 discs. I never had any problems or issues installing the software; and as for the returns, I have netFiled ever since it was sanctioned from CRA, again, no problems.

The only drawback this year is not with any issues with QuickTax, but rather that of having purchased QuickTax prior to being bundled with Quicken Cash Manager2010 and unfortunately, I missed out on this free 'bundled' software.

Joemar

PS: I'm not getting paid for this either. Graham, thanks for the blog.

[#14]

The description on the box of the Standard QT2009 states that QT imports data from Ufile2008. Unfortunately the import is limited to very basis data. More extensive information (carry forwards, unused RSP, professional and business data, capital gains & losses) must be redone manually.

It was a mistake to QT2009 even when (competitor) had a $10 rebate on it. Now I just have to go to Future Shop to get again Ufile.

[#15]

Reporting a similar problem.  Installed Quick Tax 2009 via the CD they mailed at the beginning of the year & updated it per the instructions - it reports being as up to date as it can be presently.  It's installed on Vista Ultimate with UAC turned off.  It too though, asked me to find "Quick Tax 2009.msi" for it before printing but it was nowhere to be found.  Cancelled the request & it proceeded to print the return anyway - all 21 maddening pages of it.  As for the experience of Gerry(anon), it's not surprising they'd tell him to basically like it or lump it.  Intuit is very much following the path of IBM, Microsoft, Bell, Telus, Rogers, Shaw...

The sooner I can import my Quicken data into a competitor's program, the better.  Even if it means creating huge export files first.  Problem is, what will it take to accomplish that?  An anti-trust suit?  A simplified tax return?  LOL.  I think we all have a better chance of "The Rapture" happening first but one can dream.

[#16]

I had used QuickTax since 2001. Simple to use. But I don't like the price tag. Last year I installed both QuickTax and UFile and did a comparison of the results. No difference. Also simple to use. Just a different approach to the same result. As I don't need those lousy features from Quicktax (to justify the high price!), I will now be a UFile user. After all I want to encourage smaller companies to do better business and discourage the bigger ones from gouging!

[#17]

When using tax softwares like Quick Tax / Ufile -Do you still have to fill out the government forms and mail them out separately? If one can file using Netfile, do they still have to fill out forms?

Aside from pricing, what is the advantage of using Quick Tax over Ufile?

[#18]

Now, this really upsets me . I found out there is a mysterious charge from my phone called to Edmonton. After half an hour of wasted time, I was told it was to Quick tax support line. After checking again the Quicktax website, I found the support line is 1-888-829-8608. Could someone tell me why would this be a long distance phone number?  I  always thought that 1-888 or 1-800 are toll free calls. Even the operator at Telus told me the 1-888-829-8608 is a toll free number. How on this earth that did it ended up as long distance call is a mystery to the Telus operator. Could someone in Quicktax answer this question?  

[#19]

First off, no one from QuickTax monitors this forum (that I know of) so it may be difficult to get a response from them.

That said though, does your bill show the charge being associated with the 1-888-829-8608 number?  And does it show as a long distance charge?  You yourself should know if you called that number.  Now then, that said, if you did call the QuickTax support line for assistance, its possible that QuickTax may have charged you for that support.  If that's the case, companies do have a way to charge the fee back to your phone line (this is a new billing method many companies are starting to use).  However, you should have been informed that this would be the case.

If you were not informed, I'd recommend contacting QuickTax directly for assistance.  You can either try calling that number again, or you can contact QuickTax directly using one of the methods listed here:

http://support.intuit.ca/quicktax/contact/index.jsp

I would recommend the email option if you'd rather not call the number again.

[#20]

Krypto, I was told by Jane at Telus Customer Service that the strange number 780-665-4555 called  (unlisted if you do a reverse lookup) is a phone number for Intuit Quicktax Support line. What I upset about is why there is no openness about  a toll free number. (By the way, after spoken to Telus, I checked the Quick tax support web and the cd box and finally found this message at the bottom of the box hidden under all the fine prints :" technical support by phone, email and chat is free. Long Distance may apply....... see Quicktax.ca web for details.) I am not upset about the cost which is only 10 minutes and $0.40.  I am mad because I paid for the program  which has a printing problem and I  have to go through the hassle talking to someone with deep Asian accent - he sounded like the cell phone support guy in the movie Transformer? - and got this run around trying to find out who called that mysterious phone number.   Finally, Intuit rep does read this forum. See Geoff's comment above on 02-16-2010. As far as I am concern, no more tech support, period.

[#21]

I definitely understand your frustration.  It's too bad that their tech support is lacking.  And unfortunately, this seems to be commonplace now.  Perhaps a different tax solution is in order next year, or hopefully you just won't need tech support in the future.

[#22]

This is why I use an accountant.  Costs me $65 to file with him, and I get all the support directly by phone or in person, and he takes care of everything.  Even supports me if I get audited.  Might cost a bit more than QT and I only get the one return on it, but it saves me a lot of hassle, so it's worth paying for that privilege.

JB