TaxAct and TaxSlayer have emerged as two prominent contenders in the competitive tax software market. Both promise ease of use, accuracy, and efficiency in helping users maximize their tax refunds and minimize their tax liabilities. But while TaxAct is a good fit for small businesses seeking an online filing solution, TaxSlayer is better for self-employed individuals needing access to tax advice.
In this article, we compare TaxAct vs TaxSlayer in terms of features, pricing, and more to help you determine which solution is the better fit for your business.
TaxAct vs TaxSlayer At-a-Glance Comparison
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Best For | Small businesses wanting to file both their personal and business taxes online | Self-employed individuals seeking advice from tax professionals |
Pricing |
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Schedule C Business Income & Loss | ✓ | ✓ |
Data Import | ✓ | ✕ |
Audit Guidance and/or Defense | ✓ | ✓ |
Deduction Finder | ✓ | ✕ |
Tax Pro Assistance | ✓ | ✓ |
S Corporation (S-corp) & Partnership Returns | ✓ | ✕ |
Average User Review Score on Third-Party Review Sites | 3.1 | 2.7 |
For More Information |
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When To Use
TaxAct vs TaxSlayer: Pricing
TaxSlayer is far less expensive than TaxAct including for individuals with very simple tax returns that qualify for the free plan. TaxSlayer’s free plan includes a state return while TaxAct charges $39.99 for the simple state return. TaxSlayer is also much more affordable than TaxAct for taxpayers that want to consult with a tax professional. TaxSlayer provides consultation with tax pro that has self-employment expertise as part of their Self-Employed plan for only $52.95 plus $39.95 for each state return.
TaxAct provides the option for desktop software instead of their cloud-based version, which TaxSlayer does not. TaxAct’s desktop rates are much more affordable than its main competitor for desktop software, which is TurboTax. Our favorite offering from TaxAct is their online software to prepare Form 1120 or 1120S for $159.99 Federal plus $54.99 per state, or a Form 1065 for $139.99 Federal plus $54.99 per state. TaxAct is the only provider we’ve found that provides a cloud-based program to prepare these business returns.
TaxAct vs TaxSlayer: Live Assistance
TaxAct | TaxSlayer | |
|---|---|---|
Communication Method | Phone, email, and live chat | Phone, email, and live chat |
Qualifications of Professionals | Certified public accountants (CPAs), enrolled agents (EAs), or tax specialists | CPAs, enrolled agents, or tax specialists |
Tax Pro Assistance for Self Employed Return | $159.98 Federal $39.99 per State | $52.95 Federal $39.95 State |
Tax Pro Assistance for Business Returns | N/A | N/A |
Both TaxAct and TaxSlayer offer tax pro assistance via phone, email, and live chat, and their tax professionals are CPAs, EAs, and tax specialists. However, TaxSlayer’s assisted plan is about a third the cost of TaxAct’s plan. Neither provide tax pro assistance for business returns or full-service filing.
TaxAct vs TaxSlayer: Helpful Tools
TaxAct | TaxSlayer | |
|---|---|---|
Accuracy Guarantee | ✓ | ✓ |
Audit Support | ✓ | ✓ |
Tax Calculator | ✓ | ✓ |
Free Plan Available | ✓ | ✓ |
Deduction Maximizer | ✓ | ✕ |
Maximum Refund Guarantee | ✓ | ✕ |
Data Import | ✓ | ✕ |
Cryptocurrency Support | ✕ | ✕ |
TaxAct and TaxSlayer both provide helpful tools, such as an accuracy guarantee, various levels of audit support, and tax calculators. However, TaxAct has a more comprehensive toolset than TaxSlayer, with the addition of a deduction maximizer, a maximum refund guarantee, and the ability to import data.
Both providers also offer a free plan; however, when it comes to TaxSlayer vs TaxAct, there is one major difference—TaxSlayer’s Simply Free plan offers free filing for both federal and state tax returns for individuals with taxable income less than $100,000, no dependents, filing Single or Married Jointly. TaxAct, in contrast, offers free filing for basic federal tax returns and $39.95 for state returns if your adjusted gross income is less than $73,000.
TaxAct vs TaxSlayer: Mobile App
TaxAct Express App | TaxSlayer App | |
|---|---|---|
Availability | iOS and Android | iOS and Android |
Talk Live With Tax Specialist | ✓ | ✓ |
E-File Return | ✓ | ✓ |
Scan & Upload W-2 | ✓ | ✓ |
IRS Refund Tracking | ✓ | ✓ |
View, Print & Save Return as PDF | ✓ | ✕ |
TaxAct and TaxSlayer’s mobile apps offer similar features, with a focus on preparing and e-filing your return. You can also track your IRS refund, scan and upload your W-2, and communicate with a tax specialist. The one difference between the two is that TaxSlayer doesn’t allow you to view, print, or save your returns as a PDF.
TaxAct vs TaxSlayer: Customer Service & Ease of Use
TaxAct | TaxSlayer | |
|---|---|---|
User Interface | Intuitive | Easy to use |
Support Channels | Phone, email, and live chat | Phone, email, and live chat |
Expert Help Offered | ✓ | ✓ |
Additional Services | Deduction maximizer, audit support, and tax calculator | Zero out-of-pocket fees, Ask a Tax Pro, and tax refund calculator |
TaxAct offers an intuitive and clean user interface, which is designed as an interview process that offers guided navigation. This is especially helpful for novice users, as it makes it easy for filers to enter their information. Another useful feature is a quick summary of each section that allows you to review for potential errors. You can also easily import your tax forms, such as W-2s and 1099s.
The provider also excels in the support realm, as it offers account and technical support through phone, email, and chat for all of its products, and an online knowledge base that provides answers to questions and can be used to troubleshoot issues. It also offers Xpert Help for an additional fee, which provides unlimited screen-sharing access with a tax expert and help on demand. In some states, you can also set up a call with one of TaxAct’s tax professionals.
TaxAct dashboard
Meanwhile, TaxSlayer’s user interface (UI) is easy to navigate and its left navigation bar provides easy access to different sections of the site. To get started, you need to set up a free account and then you’ll be able to view your dashboard and start filing your tax return. Included are an interview process and useful tools like a tax refund calculator. TaxSlayer’s design is similar to TaxAct, with an interview process that also lets you skip from section to section.
TaxSlayer offers multiple support options, including free phone and email support for all plans. Its online knowledge base is also helpful, as it provides answers and advice for various tax questions. If you purchase the Premium or Self-Employed version, you’ll have access to live help from tax professionals.
TaxSlayer Dashboard
TaxSlayer vs TaxAct: User Reviews
We examined user reviews both on the providers website as well as two third-party user review sites. Both TaxAct and TaxSlayer reported high user reviews on their own websites, but third-party websites reported much lower reviews. All DIY tax software we’ve reviewed have scored very poorly on third-party review sites, which we attribute at least in part to the stress and frustration users feel when trying to file their taxes. TaxAct and TaxSlayer actually standout as receiving comparatively good reviews on Consumer Affairs compared to their competitors like TurboTax (2.2 out of 5) and H&R Block (1.9 out of 5).
TaxAct received slightly higher user reviews across all sources than TaxSlayer. TaxAct reviews on their website praised the user-interface as being very easy to navigate and prep being quick, easy and efficient. Most negative reviews on the third-party websites seem to do with the particulars of their returns like calculations or which forms were included. While the problem may have been with the user’s understanding of the tax law, it would be nice if TaxAct had the support staff available to explain to users what is occurring. Largely absent from TaxAct reviews are complaints about deceptive pricing which absolute swamp the reviews of TurboTax. While some TaxAct users thought they should qualify for a free return, it seems most users understand the pricing structure.
TaxAct earned the following average scores on their own website plus popular review sites:
- TaxAct (managed by Bazaarvoice)1: 4.4 out of 5 based on 22,500+ reviews
- Consumer Affairs2: 3.3 out of 5 based on 840 reviews
- Sitejabber3: 1.7 out of 5 based on 136 reviews
Meanwhile, reviewers on the TaxSlayer website appreciate that the software is less expensive than most other tax programs and praised the access to live support from tax professionals for Premium and Self-Employed users. Negative reviews on the third-party sites largely deal with being charged more than expected and confusion with the user interface and getting information entered correctly.
TaxSlayer earned the following average scores on their own website plus popular review sites:
- TaxSlayer (managed by Trustpilot)4: 4.3 out of 5 based on 25,000+ reviews
- Consumer Affairs5: 2.9 out of 5 based on 207 reviews
- Sitejabber6: 1.5 out of 5 based on 44 reviews
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, TaxSlayer offers a free mobile app for both iOS and Android users.
No, neither TaxAct nor TaxSlayer offer full-service filing. We recommend TurboTax if you’re interested in this service.
Only TaxAct can prepare and file business returns as TaxSlayer doesn’t support Forms 1120, 1120S, and 1065.
No, tax pro assistance is unavailable with TaxAct’s business returns.
Yes, both providers offer free preparation and filing for a basic tax return. However, while TaxAct charges an additional $39.95 fee to file a state tax return, TaxSlayer includes one state at no cost in the free tier.
Bottom Line
TaxAct and TaxSlayer both offer free filing for simple tax returns. However, TaxAct’s pricing is more expensive for more complex returns. TaxAct offers expert help at an additional cost through its Xpert Assist feature. Meanwhile, TaxSlayer has a clean user interface and offers free IRS audit support to its Premium and Self-Employed users. TaxSlayer, however, only allows for personal tax returns while TaxAct allows you to file both personal and business taxes online.
User review references:
1Reviews on TaxAct.com managed by Bazaarvoice
2Consumer Affairs | TaxAct
3Sitejabber | TaxAct
4Reviews on TaxSlayer.com managed by TrustPilot
5Consumer Affairs | TaxSlayer
6Sitejabber | TaxSlayer
