I filed my first Indian tax return from San Jose in 2013.
Sitting at my desk at Citrix. Staring at Form 16 from my rental property in Chennai.
The Income Tax India portal looked like it was designed in 1999.
I spent four hours trying to figure out which ITR form to use. Where to enter rental income. How to calculate tax.
Finally gave up. Hired a CA in Chennai. Paid him ₹5,000 to do what should have been simple.
That experience stuck with me.
When ClearTax launched around 2014, I tried it the next year. Game changer.
Then Quicko came along around 2017. Right when I was moving back to India.
I have used both platforms extensively. For my US returns while abroad. For my Indian returns after moving back.
Let me tell you which one actually makes your life easier.
My Journey with Both Platforms
I used ClearTax from 2014 to 2016 while still in the US.
Filed my Indian ITR for rental income. NRE account interest. Some capital gains from mutual funds.
The interface was clean. The questions made sense. The calculations were automatic.
Cost me ₹999 per year. Worth every rupee compared to CA fees.
When I moved back in 2017, my situation got complex.
Part year resident in US. RNOR status in India. Foreign income. Indian income. Double taxation issues.
That year I hired professionals. Too risky to DIY.
But from 2018 onwards, I went back to ClearTax. My situation stabilized.
Then I discovered Quicko in 2019. Someone in our Back to India community recommended it.
They claimed better capital gains tracking. Better for people with stock portfolios.
I tried it for FY 2019 to 2020. The experience was different. More detailed. More technical.
I liked some aspects. Missed other ClearTax features.
Now I use ClearTax for my personal returns. I recommend Quicko to friends with heavy trading activity.
Both have their sweet spots.
For understanding the bigger picture of Indian tax rules for NRIs with foreign income, I have written a detailed guide.
“Tax filing should not require a CA degree. The right software makes it accessible to everyone.”
The Core Philosophy: Simple vs Detailed
ClearTax wants to make tax filing feel easy.
They hide complexity. They ask simple questions. They guide you through like a conversation.
You answer. They calculate. You review. You file.
The process feels smooth. Almost too smooth sometimes.
Quicko takes a different approach.
They show you the complexity. They give you detailed breakdowns. They explain every calculation.
You see exactly how your tax is computed. Line by line.
Think of it like this.
ClearTax is like an automatic car. You press pedals. The car handles gears. Easy. Smooth.
Quicko is like a manual transmission. You control everything. More work. More understanding.
Neither is wrong. It depends on what you need.
When I was at SuperMoney in Los Angeles, we debated this constantly. Simplicity versus transparency.
Users want both. But you cannot maximize both.
ClearTax chose simplicity. Quicko chose transparency.
Your comfort with tax concepts determines which works better.
Platform Comparison: Features Side by Side
| Feature | ClearTax | Quicko |
|---|---|---|
| ITR Forms Supported | All ITR forms 1 to 7 | All ITR forms 1 to 7 |
| Capital Gains Import | Manual entry or Excel upload | Automatic from brokers |
| Crypto Tax | Basic support | Advanced crypto tracking |
| US India Tax | Not specialized | Better for dual filing |
| CA Assistance | Available at extra cost | Included in premium plans |
| Free Plan | Yes for simple returns | Yes for basic filing |
| Premium Cost | ₹999 to ₹2,499 | ₹999 to ₹4,999 |
| E-verification | Aadhaar OTP, Net banking, EVC | Same options |
| Previous Year Import | Yes | Yes |
The differences are subtle but important.
ClearTax has been around longer. More users. More polish. Better brand recognition.
Quicko is newer. More focused on investors and traders. Better integrations with stock brokers.
I filed my FY 2022 to 2023 return on ClearTax. Took 45 minutes.
I helped my friend file his return on Quicko. He had trades on Zerodha and Groww. Took 30 minutes because Quicko imported everything automatically.
That integration saved time.
But for simple salary plus rental income, ClearTax was faster for me.
For more context on how to file ITR in India after moving back, I have a step by step guide that works with both platforms.
User Experience: Which Feels Better
I am going to be honest. ClearTax feels more polished.
The onboarding is smooth. Create account in 2 minutes. Link PAN. Import Form 26AS automatically. Start filing.
The questions flow naturally. Like someone is interviewing you.
“Did you have salary income?” Yes. “Enter employer details.” Done.
“Did you have rental income?” Yes. “Enter property details.” Done.
The interface never overwhelms you. One question at a time.
Quicko feels more technical. Right from the start.
The dashboard shows your tax liability. Advance tax due dates. Income breakdowns.
More information. But also more cognitive load.
When you start filing, they show you the actual ITR form fields. You fill sections.
More control. But requires you to understand form structure.
My wife tried both. She picked ClearTax. She found Quicko confusing.
My brother who is a CA? He prefers Quicko. He likes seeing the form directly.
User experience winner: ClearTax for most people. Quicko for tax savvy users.
The ClearTax app is also better. Faster. Cleaner. More responsive.
Quicko’s app exists but feels like an afterthought. Desktop is their strength.
📊 Reality Check: ClearTax has 2+ crore users as of 2024. Quicko has about 10 lakh users. ClearTax is mass market. Quicko is niche.
Capital Gains: Where Quicko Shines
This is where Quicko pulls ahead significantly.
If you trade stocks. If you have mutual fund portfolios. If you dabble in crypto.
Quicko is designed for you.
They have direct integrations with:
- Zerodha
- Groww
- Upstox
- Angel One
- ICICI Direct
- HDFC Securities
You connect your broker account. Quicko imports all trades automatically.
Calculates short term capital gains. Long term capital gains. Separates equity and debt.
Applies indexation where applicable. Shows tax harvesting opportunities.
The entire capital gains statement generates in 5 minutes.
ClearTax does this too. But the integrations are not as smooth.
I had to manually upload Excel files from Zerodha. Format them correctly. Then import.
Took 30 minutes of fiddling.
On Quicko? Connected Zerodha. Clicked import. Done in 2 minutes.
When I was at HappyFox in Chennai, we built similar integrations. I know how hard they are to build.
Quicko invested heavily here. It shows.
If you are an active investor, Quicko saves you hours.
ClearTax works fine for occasional capital gains. One or two transactions per year.
But 50 trades? 100 trades? You want Quicko.
For understanding whether to invest in mutual funds or stocks as an NRI returnee, both platforms support whichever you choose.
Pricing: Where Does Your Money Go
Both platforms have free plans. But they are limited.
| Plan Type | ClearTax Cost | Quicko Cost | What You Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | ₹0 | ₹0 | Basic ITR 1 or ITR 4 filing |
| Standard | ₹999 | ₹999 | ITR 2 or ITR 3, basic support |
| Premium | ₹1,499 to ₹2,499 | ₹2,999 to ₹4,999 | All forms, CA assistance, priority |
ClearTax is consistently cheaper across all tiers.
Their premium plan is ₹1,499. Gets you CA review of your return before filing.
Quicko’s premium is ₹2,999. But you get unlimited CA consultations. Not just review.
The value proposition is different.
ClearTax gives you software plus minimal support.
Quicko gives you software plus substantial CA access.
I paid ₹1,499 for ClearTax last year. Did not need CA support. My return was straightforward.
My friend paid ₹2,999 for Quicko. He had complex capital gains. Stock options from his startup. Foreign income from consulting.
He used the CA support three times. Asked questions. Got answers. Filed confidently.
For him, ₹2,999 was cheaper than hiring a CA separately for ₹8,000 to ₹10,000.
The math works differently for different people.
Simple return? Go free or pay ₹999 on ClearTax.
Complex return? Pay ₹2,999 on Quicko and use the CA support.
For broader financial planning, check out my guide on planning your finances in India after years abroad.
NRI Specific Features
This matters if you are filing from abroad or recently returned.
Both platforms support NRI tax filing. But with differences.
ClearTax:
- Supports ITR 2 for NRIs
- Has a dedicated NRI section
- Helps with foreign income reporting
- Basic guidance on DTAA benefits
- No specialized US India tax support
Quicko:
- Everything ClearTax has
- Better interface for foreign income
- Clearer DTAA claim process
- Some guidance on coordinating with US filing
- Still not a substitute for professional help on complex cases
I filed my NRI returns on ClearTax from 2014 to 2016. It worked fine.
Rental income. NRE interest. Some capital gains. Straightforward.
But when my situation became RNOR in 2017, both platforms struggled.
I needed professional help that year.
Here is the reality. No software fully handles complex NRI scenarios.
Part year residency. RNOR status. Treaty claims on specific income types. Foreign tax credit calculations.
You need a CA who understands both Indian and US tax codes.
The software helps you organize information. Prepare forms. File electronically.
But the strategic decisions need human expertise.
For detailed guidance on avoiding double taxation as an NRI, I have written a comprehensive article.
Quick Reality Check: If your NRI return involves only salary, rental, or simple interest, either platform works. If you have business income, complex capital gains, or foreign assets, hire a CA.
Tax Notices: When Things Go Wrong
You file your return. Then six months later, a notice arrives.
The Income Tax Department wants clarification. Or found a discrepancy.
How do the platforms help?
ClearTax: Their premium plans include notice handling guidance.
You can upload the notice. Their CA reviews it. Tells you what to do.
They do not respond on your behalf. But they guide your response.
I received a notice once in 2020. Mismatch in TDS credit.
Contacted ClearTax support. They explained the issue. Told me which documents to submit.
I filed the response myself on the IT portal. Notice was closed in 30 days.
Quicko: Similar support. Their CAs help you understand notices.
Premium plan users get more hand holding. The CA can draft responses.
You still have to submit yourself. But they do the heavy lifting.
A friend used Quicko’s CA service for a notice about capital gains calculation.
The CA explained the error. Drafted a detailed response. Attached supporting documents.
My friend just had to upload it. Notice resolved in 45 days.
Notice handling winner: Quicko. More comprehensive CA support.
The best approach? Avoid notices by filing correctly the first time.
Both platforms have validation checks. They catch most common errors before filing.
When to Use What
Let me give you real scenarios from people I know.
Scenario 1: Salaried employee, one rental property, basic investments
Platform: ClearTax Free or Standard (₹999)
Why? Simple return. ClearTax interface is faster. No need for complex features.
Scenario 2: Active stock trader, 200+ trades per year, crypto investments
Platform: Quicko Premium (₹2,999)
Why? Automatic trade imports. Better capital gains tracking. CA support for complex scenarios.
Scenario 3: NRI with salary abroad, rental income in India, NRE interest
Platform: ClearTax Standard (₹999)
Why? Adequate for straightforward NRI returns. Cheaper. Good enough.
Scenario 4: Returned NRI, RNOR status, foreign income, Indian income, treaty claims
Platform: Neither. Hire a CA.
Why? Too complex for DIY software. Need strategic tax planning. Worth paying ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 for professional help.
Scenario 5: Freelancer with multiple income sources, deductions, advance tax
Platform: Quicko Standard (₹999) or Premium (₹2,999) depending on complexity
Why? Better for business income. ITR 3 support is solid. CA access helps with deductions.
My personal situation is Scenario 1 now. Simple salaried income. One rental. Basic mutual funds.
I use ClearTax. Costs me ₹999 per year. Takes 30 to 40 minutes to file.
When I had a year with heavy trading, I used Quicko. The trade import saved me hours.
Use the right tool for your specific situation.
For understanding tax filing mistakes NRIs make, I have a detailed list of common errors.
Customer Support: When You Get Stuck
You will have questions. Guaranteed.
How responsive are these platforms?
ClearTax: Email support for all users. Response time 24 to 48 hours.
Chat support for premium users. Usually get response in 30 to 60 minutes.
Phone support for premium plans. Can call and talk to someone.
Their help center is extensive. Most questions are answered there.
I used their chat support twice. Once for Form 26AS mismatch. Once for e-verification issues.
Got helpful responses both times. Resolved in one interaction.
Quicko: Email support for all. Response time 12 to 24 hours. Faster than ClearTax.
CA consultation for premium users. You can book a call. Discuss your return.
Their help articles are more technical. Detailed. Good if you want to understand deeply.
I have seen people in our Facebook group praise Quicko’s CA support.
The consultations are genuinely helpful. Not just scripted responses.
Support winner: Quicko for premium users. ClearTax for free/standard users.
The reality is, good documentation matters more than support.
Keep your Form 16, Form 26AS, bank statements, investment statements organized.
Most support queries happen because people are missing documents.
My Honest Recommendation
If someone asked me today which platform to use, here is what I would say.
For 70% of people: ClearTax.
It is simpler. Faster. Cheaper. Good enough for most tax situations.
You are salaried. You have a house. You have some mutual funds. Maybe NRE interest.
ClearTax handles this smoothly. The interface does not intimidate. The cost is reasonable.
For active investors and traders: Quicko.
You trade frequently. You have capital gains across multiple brokers. Maybe some crypto.
Quicko’s integrations save massive time. The detailed tracking helps you optimize taxes.
Worth paying extra for the automation.
For complex cases: Neither. Hire a professional.
Your first year as RNOR. You sold property. You have foreign income. You got stock options.
Pay a good CA. Get it done right. The software cannot handle the nuance.
I paid ₹18,000 in 2017 when I moved back. Complex part year return. Worth every rupee.
My tax liability was correctly calculated. No notices. Clean transition.
Current personal setup: I use ClearTax for my simple returns. I recommend Quicko to friends with trading activity. I suggest CAs to people with complex scenarios.
The platform is a tool. Pick the right tool for your job.
For broader context on smart tax saving strategies for returning NRIs, I have written a comprehensive guide.
💡 Pro Insight: The filing platform matters less than having your documents organized. Spend time on preparation. The actual filing takes 30 minutes either way.
Common Mistakes People Make
I see these errors repeatedly in our community.
Mistake 1: Choosing platform based on ads
Both run aggressive ad campaigns. Influencer promotions. Discount codes.
Pick based on your needs. Not based on who has a better discount.
Mistake 2: Using free plan for complex returns
Free plans are limited. ITR 1 or ITR 4 only.
If you need ITR 2 or ITR 3, pay for the right plan. Do not force fit your return into the wrong form.
Mistake 3: Not reviewing before filing
Both platforms generate your return. Review every number before filing.
I caught an error in 2021. Form 26AS showed TDS from a source I did not recognize.
Turned out to be duplicate entry. Would have caused notice if filed as is.
Mistake 4: Waiting until July 31st
Deadline is July 31st for most people. Everyone files in the last week.
Portals slow down. Support is overwhelmed. You rush and make mistakes.
File in June. Give yourself buffer time.
Mistake 5: Not saving acknowledgment
After filing, download ITR V or e-verify immediately.
Save the acknowledgment. You will need it for loans, visas, financial applications.
I have all my ITR acknowledgments from 2013 in a Google Drive folder. Referenced them multiple times.
The Final Verdict
ClearTax wins for most people.
Easier. Faster. Cheaper. Better brand. More polish.
If you are reading this and unsure which to pick, go with ClearTax.
You will not regret it.
Quicko wins for specific use cases.
Active trading. Complex capital gains. Need for CA support.
If you fit that profile, Quicko is worth the extra cost.
My honest take?
Both platforms have made Indian tax filing accessible.
Remember when you had to visit CA offices? Stand in line? Pay ₹3,000 for simple returns?
Those days are gone.
ClearTax and Quicko democratized tax filing.
They are not perfect. The Income Tax portal itself is clunky. E-verification fails sometimes. Refunds are slow.
But the platforms make the best of a difficult system.
I am grateful both exist.
When I was at Druva in Pune before moving to the US, tax filing was painful.
Now? 30 minutes on a Saturday morning. Done from my couch.
That is progress.
Pick either platform. Set aside an hour. Gather your documents. File your return.
Stop overthinking it.
And if you are genuinely confused about your specific tax situation, ask in our Facebook community.
Post your scenario. You will get feedback from hundreds of NRIs who have filed in similar situations.
Use the wisdom of the crowd.
Bottom line: ClearTax for simplicity. Quicko for complexity. Either one gets the job done.
Now go file your taxes. July 31st will arrive faster than you think.
TLDR Version
ClearTax Strengths:
- Simpler interface for beginners
- Faster filing for basic returns
- Lower cost across all plans
- Better mobile app
- Larger user base and brand trust
- Good for salary, rental, simple investments
ClearTax Weaknesses:
- Manual capital gains entry for most brokers
- Less detailed CA support
- Not ideal for heavy traders
Quicko Strengths:
- Automatic trade imports from brokers
- Better capital gains tracking
- Advanced crypto tax support
- Comprehensive CA consultation in premium
- More transparency in calculations
- Ideal for active investors
Quicko Weaknesses:
- More expensive premium plans
- Steeper learning curve
- Less polished mobile experience
- Smaller user base
For salaried employees: ClearTax Standard (₹999)
For active traders: Quicko Premium (₹2,999)
For NRI basic returns: ClearTax Standard (₹999)
For complex NRI cases: Hire a CA (₹15,000 to ₹25,000)
My choice: ClearTax for personal use. Recommend Quicko for investor friends.
Biggest takeaway: Either platform is fine. Your document preparation matters more than platform choice.
File early. Review carefully. Save acknowledgment.
Sources:
- ClearTax Official Website and Pricing
- Quicko Official Website and Plans
- Income Tax India E-Filing Portal
- CBDT ITR Forms and Guidelines 2024
- ClearTax User Statistics – Press Release 2024
- Quicko Feature Comparison – Product Documentation
- Capital Gains Tax Calculation Rules – Income Tax Act
- DTAA Benefits for NRIs – CBDT Circular