TaxSlayer Review & Pricing in 2021

TaxSlayer is an online tax preparation software that allows you to file state and federal tax returns anytime and anywhere. It lets you file simple returns for free and handle complex self-employed tax situations at a low cost. Its features include free phone and email support, guaranteed maximum refund, IRS audit assistance, and a mobile app. TaxSlayer offers a free version and three paid packages that start at $17 for federal filing.

Visit TaxSlayer

What We Recommend TaxSlayer For

We recommend TaxSlayer for at-home tax filers seeking to file their returns at a lower price than H&R Block or TurboTax. Generally, it is best for filers with only a few capital gain or loss transactions since these can’t be imported. Despite its low price, it offers a decent list of helpful features that make your tax filing process easier and your refunds faster.

TaxSlayer Is Especially Good For

• Taxpayers looking to file federal tax returns for free and state returns for a low cost: TaxSlayer offers a free plan for individuals who are doing federal taxes on their own as well as paid packages that let you add state returns for a fraction of the cost of hiring a tax professional.
• Self-employed individuals, contractors, and 1099 contractors who need advice from tax professionals: Premium and self-employed users have unlimited access to a team of tax professionals―enrolled agents (EAs) and tax preparers―who specialize in self-employed tax issues.

TaxSlayer Is Not a Good Fit For

• Professional tax preparers: TaxSlayer is a do-it-yourself (DIY) tax preparation software and is not meant for professional tax preparers. If you are an accountant or a tax professional preparing returns for multiple clients, we recommend that you check out our review of the best tax software for tax preparers.
• Businesses organized as C corporations (C-corps), S corporations (S corps), or partnerships: Unfortunately, TaxSlayer has no products that let you file forms 1120, 1120S, or 1065.

Are you looking for something different? Read our article on the best small business tax software. In this guide, we looked at a variety of solutions and narrowed our recommendations down based on the price of preparing the typical bundle of returns required by most business owners.

TaxSlayer Pros and Cons

Visit TaxSlayer

TaxSlayer Pricing

TaxSlayer offers a free version that lets you file simple returns for no cost, as well as three paid packages that range from $17 to $47 for federal filing, plus $32 for state returns.

The plans vary in terms of the extras included, such as W-2 import, IRS audit assistance, live chat, guidance with 1099 income, and access to a tax pro with self-employed expertise.

Simply Free

The free plan is best for simple tax filing, and it includes one free state tax return. It supports W-2 income, student loan interest, and education expenses and includes free phone and email support.

Classic

Suitable for all tax situations, the Classic plan includes all features in Free plus all forms, credits, income, and deduction types, and W-2 import and PDF upload.

Premium

The Premium plan includes everything in Classic as well as IRS audit assistance for three full years, live chat, priority support, and access to a tax professional.

Self-Employed

As the name suggests, this plan is best for self-employed individuals and independent 1099 contractors. All features in the other packages are available, plus guidance with 1099 income, quarterly estimated tax payment reminders, personalized tax guidance, access to a self-employed tax pro, year-round tax and income tips, and a deduction maximizer for Schedule C.

TaxSlayer Features

TaxSlayer offers helpful features, a searchable online knowledgebase, and extended guidance and support to help you prepare and file federal and state tax returns. Here’s a glimpse of what you can get depending on the package you choose.

Guaranteed Maximum Refund

TaxSlayer guarantees you receive the maximum refund that you are entitled to, or it will refund your purchase.

100% Accuracy Guarantee

All tax calculations are guaranteed to be 100% accurate, or TaxSlayer will refund any federal or state penalties and interests charged to you.

Zero Out-of-Pocket Fees

You may opt to have your tax filing fees deducted from your refund, making it a simple and convenient choice if you wish to avoid using credit cards to pay your fees.

IRS Audit Assistance

Available in the Premium plan, this feature gives you access to TaxSlayer’s staff of IRS-certified experts and EAs who are qualified to help you get through a possible IRS audit. This service is applicable for three full years after the IRS accepts your file.

Tax Refund Calculator

TaxSlayer’s refund calculator lets you estimate your refund using your paycheck or W-2 to plan for the next season. All you need to do is provide some basic information to determine your filing status and claim any dependents. The calculator also gives you an idea of your potential taxable income and finds the best credits and deductions you can claim.

PDF File Import

If your returns are stored as PDF documents, you can import them to TaxSlayer from other online tax preparation programs. You can import forms, such as 1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ.

Mobile App

Download the TaxSlayer mobile app on Google Play or App Store and file your taxes online right on your mobile device. You can instantly see the status of your return and receive updates with personalized notifications.

Customer Service and Ease of Use

TaxSlayer has a clean user interface and a website layout that is easy to navigate. To get started, you need to set up a free account where you will be asked to provide your email address and create a password. When you log in, you will be greeted by its My Account page with a menu laid out in a sidebar with different sections: My Account, Basic Information, Federal Section, Health Insurance, State Section, Summary/Print, E-file, Mailbox, and Settings.

TaxSlayer’s My Account page.

It includes an interview process, but you can skip around some sets of questions as you go.

TaxSlayer interview question.

If you get lost, TaxSlayer offers multiple support options, including free phone and email support for all filers regardless of your plan. It also has an online knowledgebase with answers to many common tax questions. If you need access to live help from tax professionals, you will need to purchase the Premium or Self-Employed version.

TaxSlayer Alternatives

Bottom Line

Overall, TaxSlayer is a cost-friendly choice for many tax filers, especially those with only a few capital gain transactions to input. It may not have the robustness of other tax software, but its biggest strength―low price points―offers a compelling value that rivals expensive programs. We especially recommend TaxSlayer for self-employed individuals who need a budget-friendly program to file Schedule C but still want the ability to speak with a tax professional.

Create your free TaxSlayer account today and see how it works for you.