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Taxes | Versus

TaxSlayer vs FreeTaxUSA: Which Is Best in 2023

Published August 14, 2023

Published Aug 14, 2023

Tim Yoder, Ph.D., CPA

REVIEWED BY:
Tim Yoder, Ph.D., CPA

Danielle Bauter

WRITTEN BY:
Danielle Bauter

Table of Contents

TaxSlayer and FreeTaxUSA are both popular tax software providers that offer free federal tax filing options and promise ease and convenience. TaxSlayer is best for self-employed taxpayers seeking professional advice while FreeTaxUSA is ideal for self-employed individuals needing a free federal tax return that includes Schedule C.

In this article, we compare TaxSlayer vs FreeTaxUSA to help you make an informed decision and simplify your tax filing process. Keep in mind that the choice between the two depends on your individual tax needs, preferences, and budget considerations.

TaxSlayer vs FreeTaxUSA At-a-Glance Comparison

TaxSlayer logo
FreeTaxUSA logo.
Best For
Self-employed individuals who require advice from tax professionals
Self-employed individuals seeking free federal filing of complex returns and low-cost state filing
Pricing
  • $0 to $64.95 for federal returns
  • $0 to $39.95 per state return
  • $0 for federal returns
  • $14.99 per state return
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 Sites
4.30 out of 5
3.73 out of 5
For More Information

When To Use

  • Self-employed individuals seeking advice from a tax professional: We selected TaxSlayer as one of the top-rated business tax software, specifically for freelancers seeking advice from tax professionals. Its Premium and Self-Employed plans give you unlimited access to a tax professional who specializes in self-employment issues. While FreeTaxUSA offers an upgrade for access to a certified public accountant (CPA) or enrolled agent (EA), its tax professionals don’t specifically specialize in self-employment issues.
  • Taxpayers who require a high level of audit assistance: FreeTaxUSA only offers audit guidance with its Deluxe upgrade, whereas TaxSlayer offers extended audit assistance with its Premium and Self-Employed plans. It gives you access to TaxSlayer’s team of IRS-certified experts who can prepare you for a potential audit. This service is available for three years after you file your tax return.
  • Remote users who need mobile access to their tax return: FreeTaxUSA lacks a mobile app while TaxSlayer offers powerful iOS and Android mobile apps. It has several useful features, including the ability to work on more complicated returns and communicate live with a tax specialist.

Visit TaxSlayer

  • Taxpayers filing returns in multiple states: If you need a solution for filing multiple state returns, FreeTaxUSA is a good option because it charges only $14.99 per state return. Compared to TaxSlayer’s fee of $39.95 per state return, this can be significant savings if you have several state returns to file.
  • Self-employed individuals and freelancers who want free federal filing and low-cost state filing: While TaxSlayer only offers free filing for basic federal tax returns, FreeTaxUSA offers free federal returns for 1040 filers, including those with more complicated tax returns. It even gives you access to all major tax forms and over 350 deductions and credits.
  • Rental property owners looking to file a free federal tax return: FreeTaxUSA’s federal tax filing is free, even if you own rental property or have investments. It is ideal for do-it-yourself (DIY) users who are seeking software that can handle complex returns.

Visit FreeTaxUSA

  • Businesses organized as C corporations (C-corps), S-corps, or partnerships: Neither TaxSlayer nor FreeTaxUSA support business returns. We recommended TaxAct, which enables you to file both your personal and business returns online—and you don’t need to purchase and download a separate program. Our review of TaxAct can help you determine if the solution fits the bill.
  • Taxpayers looking for full-service filing or investors seeking cryptocurrency support: Neither TaxSlayer nor FreeTaxUSA offer full-service filing and cryptocurrency support—and we recommend TurboTax for both scenarios. If you’re an investor, it can be especially useful because it imports investment income automatically and can handle cryptocurrency transactions. It can also handle stocks, bonds, employee stock purchase plans, and other investments. Read our TurboTax review for more information about the platform’s features.
  • Taxpayers wanting to meet with a tax professional in-person: Neither TaxSlayer nor FreeTaxUSA offer the ability to meet with a tax professional in-person, but H&R Block does. You can either visit one of its 9,000 locations or set up a virtual appointment. Read our review of H&R Block to learn more about its offerings.

Slayer vs FreeTaxUSA: Pricing

Tax Return
TaxSlayer
FreeTaxUSA
Form 1040 Only
Simply Free
$0 Federal
$0 per State
Free Edition
$0 Federal
$14.99 per State
Form 1040 With Schedules 1 - 3
Classic
$34.95 Federal
$39.95 per State
Free Edition
$0 Federal
$14.99 per State
Form 1040 With Rental Property, Investments, or Cryptocurrency
Classic
$34.95 Federal
$39.95 per State
Free Edition
$0 Federal
$14.99 per State
Form 1040 With Self-Employed Income
Self-Employed
$64.95 Federal
$39.95 per State
Free Edition
$0 Federal
$14.99 per State
Business Returns: Form 1120, 1120S, or 1065
N/A
N/A
For More Information
Tax Return
TaxSlayer
FreeTaxUSA
Form 1040 Only
Premium
$54.95 Federal
$39.95 per State
$49.99 for access to a CPA or EA
Form 1040 With Schedules 1 - 3
Premium
$54.95 Federal
$39.95 per State
$49.99 for access to a CPA or EA
Form 1040 With Rental Property, Investments, or Cryptocurrency
Premium
$54.95 Federal
$39.95 per State
$49.99 for access to a CPA or EA
Form 1040 With Self-Employed Income
Self-Employed
$64.95 Federal
$39.95 per State
$49.99 for access to a CPA or EA
Business Returns: Form 1120, 1120S, or 1065
N/A
N/A
For More Information

The main difference between FreeTaxUSA vs TaxSlayer is that FreeTaxUSA supports free federal returns for all 1040 filers, whether you are filing a basic return, are an investor or rental property owner, or are a self-employed individual needing to file a Schedule C. What’s more, its price per state tax return is significantly less at $14.99, compared to TaxSlayer’s $39.95. TaxSlayer also offers a free filing option, but it is for simple Form 1040s only.

Both providers offer assisted filing; however, TaxSlayer offers tiered pricing based on your tax scenario, whereas FreeTaxUSA charges a flat fee of $49.99 for access to a CPA or enrolled agent. Neither solution offers full-service filing or support for business returns (Forms 1120, 1120S, and 1065). See our review of TurboTax if you’re interested in full-service tax return preparation.

TaxSlayer vs FreeTaxUSA: Live Assistance

TaxSlayer
FreeTaxUSA
Communication Method
Phone, email, and live chat
Email or live chat; Pro Support subscribers can schedule a virtual meeting
Qualifications of Professionals
CPAs, EAs, or tax specialists
CPAs, EAs, or tax specialists
Tax Pro Assistance for Individual Returns
✓
✓
Tax Pro Assistance for Business Returns
N/A
N/A

TaxSlayer excels in the area of live assistance, as it provides free year-round phone, email, and live chat support for all of its users. In contrast, FreeTaxUSA provides email or live chat support, and Pro Support subscribers can schedule a virtual meeting. Neither provide tax pro assistance for business returns or full-service filing services.

TaxSlayer vs FreeTaxUSA: Helpful Tools

TaxSlayer
FreeTaxUSA
Accuracy Guarantee
✓
✓
Amended Returns
✓
✓
Prior Year Return Filing
✓
✓
Free Plan Available
✓
✓
Audit Support
✓
Available with Deluxe upgrade
Audit Defense
✓
✕
Tax Calculator
✓
✕
Import W-2s & 1099s
✓
✕
Deduction Maximizer
✕
✓
Data Import
✕
✓
Cryptocurrency Support
✕
✕

TaxSlayer has several helpful tools that FreeTaxUSA doesn’t provide, such as a tax calculator, the ability to import W-2s and 1099s, and audit defense. However, FreeTaxUSA also has an edge over TaxSlayer by offering a deduction maximizer and the ability to import data from other tax software providers.

Both provide an accuracy guarantee, some level of audit support, a free plan, and the ability to file both amended and prior-year returns. Unfortunately, neither supports cryptocurrency transactions, so if you need the functionality, we recommend TurboTax. Learn more about the solution through our review of TurboTax.

TaxSlayer vs FreeTaxUSA: Mobile App

TaxSlayer App
FreeTaxUSA App
Availability
iOS and Android
N/A
Talk Live With Tax Specialist
✓
N/A
E-File Return
✓
N/A
Scan & Upload W-2
✓
N/A
IRS Refund Tracking
✓
N/A
View, Print & Save Return as PDF
✕
N/A

Only TaxSlayer offers a mobile app, and it is useful for remote filers as it provides the ability to talk live with a tax specialist, track your IRS refund, prepare and e-file your return, and upload your W-2. However, it cannot view, print, or save your return as a PDF.

TaxSlayer vs FreeTaxUSA: Customer Service & Ease of Use

TaxSlayer
FreeTaxUSA
User Interface (UI)
Easy to use
Easy to use
Support Channels
Phone, email, and live chat
Email or live chat; Pro Support subscribers can schedule a virtual meeting
Expert Help Offered
✓
✓
Additional Services
Zero out-of-pocket fees, Ask a Tax Pro, and tax refund calculator
Free prior year returns and tax extensions

TaxSlayer’s UI is clean and easy to navigate, and its interview process allows you to skip around if needed. Its support options include free phone and email support for all filers. If you purchase the Premium or Self-Employed version, you’ll have access to live help from tax professionals.

image of TaxSlayer's dashboard that shows a prompt to finish a 2022 tax return

TaxSlayer Dashboard

Meanwhile, FreeTaxUSA’s UI is very straightforward, with no downloads or special plug-ins required. It allows you to set up your account information easily upon logging in, and its navigation tabs are user-friendly. It also includes helpful explainers of tax concepts for clarification.

Support is available via email or live chat. However, if you upgrade to Pro Support, then you’ll receive access to a CPA or enrolled agent who will provide phone support and live screen sharing.

image of FreeTaxUSA's dashboard that shows fields for taxpayer information

FreeTaxUSA Dashboard

FreeTaxUSA vs TaxSlayer: User Reviews

Both providers scored high with users. Those who left TaxSlayer reviews said that they appreciate that the software is easy to use and that it provides extensive support and guidance throughout the tax filing process, including access to live phone support. Reviewers also praised its useful tools, such as its robust mobile app. Its inability to import data and lack of a deduction maximizer are the software’s biggest drawbacks.

TaxSlayer earned the following average scores on popular review sites:

  • Consumer Affairs1: 3.4 out of 5 based on about 200 reviews
  • Trustpilot2: 4.3 out of 5 based on around 24,000 reviews
  • Capterra3: 4.7 out of 5 based on about 10 reviews

Meanwhile, FreeTaxUSA users appreciate that the platform is free for all personal returns, even for more complicated tax returns and Schedule C for self-employed individuals. Reviewers also praised the low fee of $14.99 per state tax return. One of the solution’s limitations is that it doesn’t handle business tax returns.

FreeTaxUSA has the following average scores on popular review sites:

  • Trustpilot4: 3.4 out of 5 based on about 50 reviews
  • SuperMoney5: 3.6 out of 5 based on around 20 reviews
  • Best Company6: 4.2 out of 5 based on about 90 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

It depends on your specific tax situation. If you are self-employed and seeking advice from a tax professional, then TaxSlayer may be a good fit. However, if you need free federal filing and low-cost state filing, consider FreeTaxUSA.

No, only TaxSlayer offers a mobile app. It can file more complicated federal returns.

Yes, both platforms support state filing. However, additional fees apply for state tax returns.

Both FreeTaxUSA and TaxSlayer strive to be user-friendly, but users may have different preferences. FreeTaxUSA is often praised for its straightforward and easy-to-use interface, while TaxSlayer provides step-by-step guidance.

Bottom Line

Both providers are reputable online tax preparation platforms that offer free federal tax filing options. TaxSlayer provides various pricing tiers depending on the complexity of your tax return, and FreeTaxUSA offers a flat-rate fee for all tax situations. While TaxSlayer may cater to users looking for more extensive support and features, FreeTaxUSA is praised for its user-friendly interface and straightforward approach.

User review references:

1Consumer Affairs | TaxSlayer
2Trustpilot | TaxSlayer
3Capterra | TaxSlayer
4 Trustpilot | FreeTaxUSA
5 SuperMoney | FreeTaxUSA
6 Best Company | FreeTaxUSA

About the Author

Danielle Bauter

Find Danielle OnLinkedIn

Danielle Bauter

Danielle Bauter is a writer for the Accounting division of Fit Small Business. She has owned Check Yourself, a bookkeeping and payroll service that specializes in small business, for over twenty years. She holds a Bachelor's degree from UCLA and has served on the Board of the National Association of Women Business Owners. She also regularly writes about travel, food, and books for various lifestyle publications.