Digital Tax-Filing: A Component of Financial Wellness

Dear Canadian Business Leaders,

Breathe in, breathe out. That reprieve you just felt? It’s what we aim to provide, especially during tax season. Other tools, like flexible workplace benefit Lifestyle Spending Accounts (LSAs), do the same. 

LSAs are supposed to cover all things wellness. But wellness means different things to different people. 

Yoga? Check. 

Aromatherapy? Uh huh. 

An anklet that measures your circadian rhythm while you have a vivid dream about flying above the Rockies? Apparently, yes.

Here’s the issue though…. things have changed.

One of the most significant and overlooked drivers of stress for Canadians is financial anxiety—especially during tax season. 

Yet, when we look at the workplace tools across many Canadian companies designed to support employee well-being, many aren’t built to address these kinds of stressors.

In recent years, many employers have introduced Lifestyle Spending Accounts (LSAs) to provide employees with greater flexibility in how they spend their benefits. These programs were created to support wellness and well-being by allowing employees to choose the resources that matter most to them; we’ve seen this reflected in the ability to expense fitness equipment, professional development, or other lifestyle costs.

Research shows that financial stress has ripple effects, including decreased productivity at work, lower morale, and increased burnout. A recent study by Intuit found that 1 in 5 Canadians experience physical manifestations of tax stress, such as a racing heart, nausea, or headaches. 

But, there’s good news! According to Dr. Nawal Mustafa, PhD. Clinical Neuropsychology,  “Digital tax-filing tools, like TurboTax, can increase clarity and control. That can have major health benefits such as stress reduction, improved sleep, and improved emotional health.”

In other words, tax prep is kind of like a gym membership. It’s a type of preventative care that reduces long-term physical and mental health risks.

So if digital tax-filing is actually wellness, shouldn’t Canadians be able to expense it under their LSAs?

We think it should be claimable. That’s why at Intuit, we have added “Preparation Software or Services” as an approved LSA expense. Note: Reimbursement eligibility is determined by your specific employer’s benefit plan and remains subject to applicable Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) guidelines.

And we’re calling on you to join us. Include tax software in your LSA coverage, so you can demonstrate a commitment to holistic employee well-being. 

Dr. Nawal Mustafa says it best, “Digital tax-filing is arguably one of the most underrated forms of self-care.” 

Sincerely,

Intuit TurboTax Canada

Disclaimer: This letter is for informational purposes only. Statements attributed to Dr. Nawal Mustafa reflect her independent professional opinions, not claims about the efficacy of any Intuit products. Dr. Mustafa was compensated for her participation. LSA eligibility for digital tax-filing software varies by employer and plan terms and may be subject to applicable CRA guidelines. Intuit Canada ULC (“Intuit”) assumes no liability for denied reimbursement claims arising from reliance on this letter. Please consult your benefits administrator regarding your specific situation.

¹TELUS Health. SPECIAL REPORT: TELUS Mental Health Index Reveals Highest Decline in Mental Health Since 2020 Due to Financial Stressors. TELUS Health, 16 Dec. 2024, https://www.telus.com/en/health/press-releases/special-report-telus-mental-health-index-reveals-highest-decline-in-mental-health-since-2020-due-to-financial-stressors

²Citizen Relations Intelligence. Survey of Canadian Adults, March 11–18, 2026. Citizen Relations Intelligence, 2026. Online survey of 1,500 panelists, representative of Canadian adults by age, gender, and region; margin of error ±2.5%.