Tag Archives: NETFILE

Will GenuTax Software Run on an iMac?

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Recently, a reader asked me a question about GenuTax, the free tax preparation software that I write reviews for each spring. Specifically, the reader was investing in a new home computer and was curious whether GenuTax could run on an iMac: so I asked GenuTax support.

Does GenuTax Work on an iMac?

This is the information provided to me by GenuTax Support in August 2014:
“Unfortunately, as our System Requirements page indicates, GenuTax Standard software is designed for Microsoft Windows operating systems only.

“At the current time, our company does not have any plans to port GenuTax Standard software to the Macintosh platform. In addition, creating versions for more than one operating system requires a doubling of the time required to have GenuTax Standard approved by the Canada Revenue Agency.”

For those of you who are ready to file your tax return as soon as NETFILE opens, you’ll know how aggravating it already is waiting for the CRA to approve the various software options. I can understand how that would be troubling to a company like GenuTax.

Will GenuTax Support iMacs in the Future?

The following comment was provided by GenuTax:
“We may reconsider our decision not to have a Macintosh version in the future as the Mac’s market share increases.”

I’d just like to add that if more people voluntarily contributed to GenuTax after using their software, and asked for iMac support in a letter with their donation, that might be helpful too!

Is There a Work Around to Use GenuTax on an iMac?

The GenuTax Support person added the following comment:
“Depending on the version of Mac OS you are running, it is possible to use a Windows emulator to run the software on your Mac. For example, Mac OS X includes Boot Camp for running Windows applications:”

http://www.apple.com/macosx/what-is/compatibility.html

“However, this is not something our company [GenuSource Consulting Inc.] directly supports, and if you encountered any difficulty running GenuTax Standard software on the Mac, our Support Department would not be able to assist you.”

Just to be clear, I could not help you either. I am not currently using a Mac.

Conclusion

So it looks like the answer is a definite “maybe.” While GenuTax does not run directly on an iMac, it may be possible to run it successfully using a Windows emulator if you are willing to try it without any tech support.

Personally, I’d just find a friend or relative who would let me use their computer for an hour or so to run GenuTax and NETFILE my return.

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Have you ever run GenuTax or StudioTax on an iMac? Did it work? Did you have any trouble using NETFILE? Please share your views with a comment.

How to Review and NETFILE Your Business and Personal Income Tax Return for Free Using GenuTax Standard 2013

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Once you’ve downloaded and installed GenuTax Standard 2013, you can use it to prepare a business or personal income tax return. Next, you’ll need to review your return looking for errors and omissions and then NETFILE the accurate return to the CRA for free. Here’s how.

Do I Need a .TAX File to NETFILE My Return for 2013?

The Canada Revenue Agency has made some changes to how returns can be NETFILEd. There’s now a simpler method which does not require creating a .TAX file. You won’t have to sign in to the CRA website and upload the file yourself, unless you want to. The following instructions describe how to use GenuTax Standard to NETFILE your return quickly and easily. (It’s startling just how quickly it gets filed!)

How to Review Your GenuTax Standard Tax Return Before Using NETFILE

It is extremely important to review your tax return before filing it! You should be checking for errors, omissions and mistakes.

You can print your tax return, in full form or in condensed form, by clicking on the Printer icon on the top navigation bar. Be careful about printing your full form: it may be 20 pages long if they included many blank lines.

Or, to review your return on the screen, from the top navigation menu, click on File, then on Print Preview. Then click to select the radio button beside

  • Condensed return for mailing to the CRA
  • Full copy of return for your personal records

And click the Ok button.

I reviewed the full copy of my return on the screen and it was very clearly displayed.

How to NETFILE Your Personal and Business Income Tax Return for Free Using GenuTax Standard 2013

When I had thoroughly reviewed my tax return, I continued with the NETFILE process.

NETFILE Screen

Click to select Yes for the question would you like to use NETFILE to send your 2013 tax return over the internet.

Click the button: Next (F8)

Changes to Your Name Screen
Read the warnings. If necessary, do not NETFILE.

Click the button: Next (F8)

NETFILE Screen [the second one]
If applicable, click beside the radio button for Yes to answer the question Does this computer have access to the internet?

Click the button: Next (F8)

Filing First Tax Return with the CRA? Screen
If this is not your first tax return, click to select No.

Click the button: Next (F8)

Making Electronic Payment? Screen
Read the information and click Yes or No as appropriate.

**Remember you must pay any income taxes due by the deadline of April 30 2014 or you may be charged interest and penalties. **

Using NETFILE to Send Your Tax Return Screen
If you are ready to file your tax return, click the button Use NETFILE.

At the prompt, to save your current return, click on the Yes button.

If you agree to using one of your 20 free tax return filings, click on the OK button.

If you have read the NETFILE Terms and Conditions and Privacy Notice, click on the Yes button.

The NETFILE Transmission Results Window

Copy the NETFILE confirmation number for your tax records. This number will be useful if you need to discuss your filing with the CRA.

Click the Ok button.

Click the button: Next (F8)

If desired, click the button Print Tax Return.

Click the button: Next (F8)

To close GenuTax Standard 2013, click on the X icon.

Click on the button: Exit GenuTax Standard.

Be Kind: Make a Donation to GenuTax

If you found that GenuTax Standard 2013 worked for you and helped you file your income tax return, I’d strongly encourage you to support the small business that developed this program by making a donation.

You can donate online at https://www.genutax.ca/Donate.aspx

Or mail a donation to
GenuSource Consulting Inc.
PO Box 1494
Grande Prairie, AB    T8V 4Z3

Pay Any Taxes Owing!

Don’t forget to pay any taxes you owe to the CRA!

For information about payment options, visit the Canada Revenue Agency website at http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/payments/

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Have you used GenuTax Standard to file your income taxes? Did you find the program worked well? Please share your experiences with a comment.