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.
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
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Free filing for simple federal tax returns | Offers fewer features than other tax filing software |
| Less expensive than most other tax programs | Cannot import Schedule C income and expenses |
| Includes a mobile app | Doesn’t support business returns (1065, 1120, and 1120S) |
| Access to live support from tax professionals (Premium and Self-Employed users) | Cannot import capital gain transactions |
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.
Pricing & Features | Simply Free | Classic | Premium | Self-Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pricing (Federal Tax) | $0 | $17 | $37 | $47 |
Additional Fee for State Filing ($/State) | (Includes One State) +$32 per additional state | $32 | $32 | $32 |
Free Phone and Email Support | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
W-2 and Unemployment Income | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Student Loan Interest and Education Expenses | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
W-2 Import and PDF Upload | N/A | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Includes all Income, Deductions, and Credits | N/A | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
IRS Audit Assistance for 3 Years | N/A | N/A | ✔ | ✔ |
Live Chat | N/A | N/A | ✔ | ✔ |
Access to a Tax Pro | N/A | N/A | ✔ | ✔ (Self-employed expertise) |
Guidance With 1099 Income | N/A | N/A | N/A | ✔ |
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
Best for: Filers who need an inexpensive tax software for corporate and partnership returns | Best for: Freelancers looking for a free individual tax software | Best for: Taxpayers looking for an online program to prepare both individual and business returns |
Business returns from $119.85 for federal and state | Free federal filing and $14.99 for state returns | Federal returns from $24.95 and $14.95 for state returns |
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.
