Wealthsimple Tax, TurboTax and H&R Block are the three tax programs Canadian side hustlers ask about most, and any of them can handle a return that includes a Form T2125 for business or professional income. The real differences are price, how much guidance you get on expenses, and whether you can reach a tax expert. Software does not change what you owe; your records do.
Before you pick software, get your numbers ready with reporting side hustle income on T2125, side hustle expense deductions and tax prep before January.
How do Wealthsimple Tax, TurboTax and H&R Block compare for side hustle income?
All three file returns with self-employment income; they differ mainly on price and expert access. Plans below were listed on each company’s Canadian site on October 7, 2026.
| Option | Best for | Pricing | In Canada | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wealthsimple Tax | Side hustlers comfortable entering their own T2125 numbers | Basic pay-what-you-want (even $0); Plus $40 + tax; Pro $80 + tax (source) | Canadian; Pro plan not available in Québec or in French |
|
|
| TurboTax Canada | People who want a guided interview and a self-employed edition | Free for simple returns; Self-Employed: see current price (source) | Canadian editions; CRA NETFILE certified per its site |
|
|
| H&R Block Canada | People who may want to switch to an in-person tax office later | Free $0; Deluxe $29.99; Premier $49.99; Self Employed $69.99 per return (source) | Canadian offices and software; NETFILE to the CRA or Revenu Québec |
|
|
Prices and features from each company's own pages, checked October 7, 2026. They change often; confirm on the official site before you buy.
H&R Block’s price page also lists discount codes for new and returning clients; we have not included them because codes change.
Do side hustlers need a paid edition?
Not always. Wealthsimple’s Basic plan is pay-what-you-want, and its FAQ says there are no restrictions on what you can file, which includes self-employment income. TurboTax Free and H&R Block Free are aimed at simpler returns, so business income generally pushes you to their self-employed tiers. Paid tiers add things like audit protection, more returns per account, and access to an expert.
Illustrative example
Assumed situation, using the listed prices: one person files one return with T2125 income.
- Wealthsimple Tax Basic: pay what you want, from $0. Plus is $40 + tax if you want audit protection.
- H&R Block Self Employed: $69.99 per return.
- TurboTax Self-Employed: check the current price on its site during tax season.
This is a price comparison only. Choose on how much help you want, not just the sticker price.
What should side hustlers check before filing?
Check three things: your T2125 totals, GST/HST status, and any instalments. If your taxable sales passed the $30,000 small-supplier threshold, you also file GST/HST returns, which these personal tax programs do not do for you; see GST/HST registration. Platform income from apps and marketplaces is covered in tax on reselling and gig apps.
Who should pick Wealthsimple Tax, TurboTax or H&R Block?
| If you… | Lean toward | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Have your income and expense totals ready and want the lowest cost | Wealthsimple Tax | Pay-what-you-want Basic plan |
| Want a guided self-employment interview | TurboTax Self-Employed | Dedicated self-employed edition |
| Want the option of handing it to an office | H&R Block | Software plus in-person offices |
| Have a complicated year (rental, foreign income, big asset sales) | Consider a professional | Software can’t spot what you didn’t enter |
What mistakes do side hustlers make with tax software?
- Leaving T2125 blank and adding income as “other income.” Business income belongs on T2125 with its expenses.
- Claiming personal costs as business expenses. Only the business-use share counts.
- Forgetting CPP on self-employment earnings. The software calculates it, but plan for the cash.
- Paying for an upgrade you don’t need. Expert help is useful if you have questions, not by default.
- Missing the June 15 self-employed filing date versus the April 30 payment date. Any balance owing is still due April 30.
Which tax rules apply to filing with side hustle income?
Self-employed individuals and their spouses generally have until June 15 to file, but any balance owing is due April 30 (CRA filing dates). Keep records for six years from the end of the tax year they relate to (CRA record retention). This is not tax advice; for anything unusual, ask a professional.
Which guides sit next to the tax software comparison?
Read the side hustle tax FAQ, how much tax to set aside and CRA tax instalments. For year-round books, compare FreshBooks vs Wave vs QuickBooks.
What are the common questions?
Can Wealthsimple Tax handle self-employment income?
Wealthsimple's tax page says its pay-what-you-want Basic plan has no restrictions on what you can file, covering all sources of income. Plus ($40 + tax) adds audit protection and priority support, and Pro ($80 + tax) adds one-on-one expert guidance, as listed on October 7, 2026.
How much is H&R Block's self-employed software in Canada?
H&R Block Canada listed its Self Employed tax software package at $69.99 per return on October 7, 2026, alongside Free, Deluxe ($29.99) and Premier ($49.99).
Is TurboTax Free enough for a side hustle?
TurboTax describes its Free product as being for simple returns. Business or self-employment income generally needs its Self-Employed edition; check the current price on TurboTax Canada's site.
Does tax software file my GST/HST return?
No. Personal tax software files your income tax return, including Form T2125. If you are registered for GST/HST, you file GST/HST returns separately with the CRA.
When is the tax deadline for self-employed Canadians?
Self-employed individuals generally have until June 15 to file their return, but any balance owing is due by April 30. This is general information, not tax advice.
Which sources support this guide?
The rules, rates, and platform requirements in this guide are checked against these primary sources. Retail price ranges are labelled as ranges to verify locally, and they are not quotes.
- Wealthsimple Tax plans — Wealthsimple
- TurboTax Canada tax software — Intuit TurboTax Canada
- H&R Block Canada tax software packages — H&R Block Canada
- Form T2125, Statement of Business or Professional Activities — Canada Revenue Agency
- When to register for and start charging the GST/HST — Canada Revenue Agency
- Filing dates for your tax return — Canada Revenue Agency
- Where to keep your records, for how long and how to request permission to destroy them early — Canada Revenue Agency