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Taxes | Versus

TaxSlayer vs TurboTax: Which Is Best

Updated February 19, 2024

Updated Feb 19, 2024

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
  1. 1 Quick Comparison
  2. 2 Use Cases
  3. 3 Pricing
  4. 4 Live Assistance
  5. 5 Helpful Tools
  6. 6 Mobile App
  7. 7 Customer Service & Ease of Use
  8. 8 User Reviews
  9. 9 FAQs
  10. 10 Bottom Line

TaxSlayer and TurboTax differ in key aspects that cater to distinct user needs. TaxSlayer offers a cost-effective solution with various pricing tiers and is better for self-employed individuals while TurboTax provides a more user-friendly and comprehensive experience—particularly for those with complex tax situations or businesses wanting seamless integration with accounting software. Ultimately, the choice between TaxSlayer vs TurboTax depends on individual preferences, tax requirements, and budget considerations.

TaxSlayer vs TurboTax At-a-Glance Comparison

TaxSlayer logo
TurboTax logo
Best For
Self-employed individuals who need a low-cost do-it-yourself (DIY) or assisted filing solution
Small businesses seeking full-service tax preparation and filing
Pricing
  • $0 to $52.95 for federal returns
  • $0 to $39.95 per state return
  • $0 to $219 for federal returns
  • $0 to $59 per state return
Free Federal Return for Active Duty Military
✓
✕
Schedule C Business Income & Loss
✓
✓
Data Import
✕
✓
Audit Guidance and/or Defense
✓
✓
Deduction Maximizer
✕
✓
Tax Pro Assistance
Premium & Self-Employed only
✓
S Corporation (S-corp) & Partnership Returns
✕
✓
Average User Review Score on Third-party Sites
3.6 out of 5
1.7 out of 5
For More Information

When To Use

  • Self-employed individuals and 1099 contractors seeking advice from a tax professional: If you sign up for TaxSlayer’s Self-Employed plan, you’ll receive unlimited access to a team of tax professionals who specialize in self-employed tax issues. We selected TaxSlayer as one of the best business tax software because it is an inexpensive tax software for freelancers with advice from tax professionals. Although TurboTax also offers tax assistance, it is at a much higher price.
  • Active duty military: Active duty military members get free access to the Classic plan, which can handle any tax situation but provides limited service.
  • Schedule C businesses looking to save money on tax filing: TaxSlayer offers Schedule C filing with its Classic plan, which at $22.95 for federal returns is a fraction of the cost of TurboTax Self-Employed at $129. However, if you want assistance determining your Schedule C deductions, you’ll need TaxSlayer Self-Employed which is still only $52.95.
  • Taxpayers who require a higher level of audit assistance: While TurboTax provides audit assistance, TaxSlayer offers the option of extended audit assistance. Available with the Premium and Self-Employed plans, this gives you access to TaxSlayer’s staff of IRS-certified experts who can prepare you for a potential IRS audit. This service is available for three years after the IRS accepts your tax return.
  • Rental property owners: If you own rental property, TaxSlayer is the better solution. It allows you to prepare your federal tax return with the Classic plan for only $22.95 and $39.95 for each state tax return. For your federal return, TurboTax requires you to upgrade to a more expensive plan, charging $129 for a federal return and $59 per state return.

Visit TaxSlayer

  • QuickBooks users seeking a streamlined tax solution: TurboTax offers seamless integration with QuickBooks Desktop, which allows users to import financial data directly from their QuickBooks account into TurboTax. It has specific versions designed for different types of businesses, including self-employed individuals, small businesses, and corporations. QuickBooks users can choose the appropriate version that best suits their business needs. While TaxSlayer also integrates with QuickBooks, it doesn’t support business forms.
  • Taxpayers who want to import cryptocurrency transactions: TaxSlayer doesn’t support cryptocurrency transactions at all. Meanwhile, TurboTax allows users to import cryptocurrency transaction data from various cryptocurrency exchanges and platforms. It automatically calculates gains and losses based on the imported data and takes into account factors such as the purchase price, sale price, and holding period to determine whether the transactions resulted in a capital gain or loss.
  • Small businesses that need full-service tax preparation and filing: TurboTax offers three levels of service: do-it-yourself (DIY), assisted, and full-service filing, including business returns. Its full-service plan includes virtual meetings with a tax professional to ensure that your tax return is accurate before filing. TaxSlayer doesn’t offer full-service filing, nor does it support Forms 1065, 1120, and 1120S.
  • Taxpayers who prefer desktop software: TurboTax offers a choice of either online or desktop software while TaxSlayer only offers online software. A benefit to using TurboTax Desktop is that it includes up to five federal e-files. You may want to read our TurboTax Desktop Premier vs Home & Business comparison to learn more about the two popular versions.

Visit TurboTax

  • Taxpayers who want to meet with a tax professional in person: Neither TaxSlayer nor TurboTax offer the ability to meet with a tax professional in person, so if that’s what you’re looking for, then you may want to consider H&R Block. With almost 9,000 offices in the United States, you can opt to meet virtually—or prepare your own taxes using H&R Block’s desktop software. Read our review of H&R Block for more information about the provider’s available features.
  • Businesses organized as C-corps, S corporations (S-corps), or partnerships: TaxAct allows you to file both your personal and business returns online. You need to purchase and download a separate desktop program with TurboTax, and TaxSlayer doesn’t support business returns at all. Read our TaxAct review to determine if it’s a fit for your business.
  • Businesses seeking both bookkeeping and tax support: Bookkeeping is unavailable with both TaxSlayer and TurboTax, so if you also need bookkeeping support, Bench is an excellent option. Its Premium plan offers all-in-one bookkeeping, unlimited year-round tax advisory services, and annual state and federal income tax filing for both individuals and businesses. Read our review of Bench to learn about the provider’s bookkeeping and tax services.

TaxSlayer vs TurboTax: Pricing

Tax Return
TaxSlayer
TurboTax
Form 1040 Only
Simply Free
$0 Federal
$0 per State
Basic
$0 Federal
$0 per State
Form 1040 With Schedules 1 - 3
Classic
$22.95 Federal
$39.95 per State
Deluxe
$69 Federal
$59 per State
Form 1040 With Rental Property, Investments, or Cryptocurrency
Classic
$22.95 Federal
$39.95 per State
Self-Employed
$129 Federal
$59 per State
Form 1040 With Self-Employed Income
Classic
$22.95 Federal
$39.95 per State
Self-Employed
$129 Federal
$59 per State
Business Returns: Form 1120, 1120S, or 1065
Doesn’t support Forms 1120, 1120S, or 1065
DIY online filing unavailable for business returns
For More Information
Tax Return
TaxSlayer
TurboTax
Form 1040 Only
N/A
Basic
$50 Federal
$45 per State
(includes 5 Federal e-files)
Form 1040 With Schedules 1 - 3
N/A
Basic
$50 Federal
$45 per State
(includes 5 Federal e-files)
Form 1040 With Rental Property, Investments, or Cryptocurrency
N/A
Premier
$115 Federal
$45 per State
(includes 5 Federal e-files plus 1 State return)
Form 1040 With Self-Employed Income
N/A
Home & Business
$130 Federal
$45 per State
(includes 5 Federal e-files plus 1 State return)
Business Returns: Form 1120, 1120S, or 1065
N/A
$190 Federal
$55 per State
For More Information
Tax Return
TaxSlayer
TurboTax
Form 1040 Only
Premium
$42.95 Federal
$39.95 per State
$0 Federal
$0 per State
Form 1040 With Schedules 1 - 3
Premium
$42.95 Federal
$39.95 per State
$139 Federal
$64 per State
Form 1040 With Rental Property or Investments
Premium
$42.95 Federal
$39.95 per State
$219 Federal
$64 per State
Form 1040 With Self-Employed Income
Self-Employed
$52.95 Federal
$39.95 per State
$219 Federal
$64 per State
Business Returns: Form 1120, 1120S, or 1065
Doesn’t support Forms 1120, 1120S, or 1065
$739 Federal
$64 per State Only available in AK, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, MI, MN, NC, NV, NY, OH, PA, SD, TX, UT, VA, WA, and WY
For More Information
Tax Return
TaxSlayer
TurboTax
Form 1040 Only
N/A
$129 Federal
$79 per State
Form 1040 With Schedules 1 - 3
N/A
$259 Federal
$79 per State
Form 1040 With Rental Property, Investments, or Cryptocurrency
N/A
$349 Federal
$79 per State
Form 1040 With Self-Employed Income
N/A
$429 Federal
$79 per State
Business Returns: Form 1120, 1120S, or 1065
N/A
$1,749 Federal
$64 per State
For More Information

The two biggest differences between TaxSlayer vs TurboTax are that TaxSlayer doesn’t offer desktop software and lacks full-service tax preparation and filing. However, it charges significantly less for DIY online filing and assisted filing. Unfortunately, it doesn’t support business forms such as Forms 1065, 1120, and 1120S, so it is limited to only individual returns, including Schedule C.

TaxSlayer vs TurboTax: Live Assistance

TaxSlayer
TurboTax
Communication Method
Phone, email, and live chat
Phone, chat, and one-way video conferencing
Qualifications of Professionals
CPAs, enrolled agents (EAs), or tax specialists 
CPAs, EAs, or tax specialists
Tax Pro Assistance for Individual Returns
Premium & Self-Employed plans
✓
Tax Pro Assistance for Business Returns
N/A
20 states Only available in AK, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, MI, MN, NC, NV, NY, OH, PA, SD, TX, UT, VA, WA, and WY
Full-service Filing for Individual Returns
N/A
✓
Full-service Filing for Business Returns
N/A
✓

Both TaxSlayer and TurboTax provide live assistance for individual returns but only TurboTax offers assistance with business returns. Unfortunately, the live assistance is limited to 20 states. Full-service tax preparation and filing is unavailable with TaxSlayer, but TurboTax offers it for all states for both business and individual returns.

TaxSlayer vs TurboTax: Helpful Tools

TaxSlayer
TurboTax
Accuracy Guarantee
✓
✓
Audit Support
✓
✓
Tax Calculator
✓
✓
Free Plan
✓
✓
Deduction Maximizer
✕
✓
Cryptocurrency Support
✕
✓
Data Import
✕
✓

Clearly, TurboTax wins the battle of TurboTax vs TaxSlayer when it comes to helpful tools. TaxSlayer lacks many features that TurboTax has, such as a deduction maximizer, cryptocurrency support, and the ability to import data. However, both offer an accuracy guarantee, audit support, a tax calculator, and a free plan.

TaxSlayer vs TurboTax: Mobile App

TaxSlayer App
TurboTax App
Availability
iOS and Android
iOS and Android
Talk Live With Tax Specialist
✓
✓
Prepare More Complicated Returns
✓
✕
E-file Return
✓
✓
Scan & Upload W-2
✓
✓
IRS Refund Tracking
✓
✓
View, Print & Save Return as PDF
✕
✕

Both offer a mobile app that is available for iOS and Android users. Their capabilities are the same as you can communicate live with a tax specialist directly through the app, prepare and e-file your return, scan and upload W-2 forms, and track your IRS refund. Neither app allows you to view, print, or save your return as a PDF.

TaxSlayer vs TurboTax: Customer Service & Ease of Use

TaxSlayer
TurboTax
User Interface (UI)
Easy to use
Clean and simple to navigate
Support Channels
Phone, email, and live chat
Phone, live chat, and one-way videoconferencing
Expert Help Offered
✓
✓
Additional Services
Zero out-of-pocket fees, Ask a Tax Pro, and tax refund calculator
Self-employed expense estimator and check your refund status

TaxSlayer offers customer support through various channels, including email, phone, and live chat. Users can reach out to the support team for assistance with tax-related questions and technical issues. TaxSlayer also provides an online knowledge base with frequently asked questions (FAQs) and helpful articles to guide users through common tax situations and software functionalities.

The platform’s UI is designed to be straightforward and intuitive, making it easy for users to navigate through the tax preparation process. The software provides step-by-step guidance, asking relevant questions to help users identify tax deductions and credits applicable to their situation. It also incorporates built-in error checks and reviews the return for accuracy before submitting.

image of TaxSlayer's dashboard that shows options to complete a 2022 tax return

TaxSlayer dashboard

Meanwhile, TurboTax offers a variety of customer support options, including phone, live chat, and one-way videoconferencing for full-service users as well as an extensive help center with FAQs and articles. For those who prefer more personalized assistance, TurboTax Live provides access to real tax experts who will offer on-demand advice and review your tax return before filing. Live Full-Service users receive two free meetings with a tax specialist, both at the beginning of the process and again before filing your return.

TurboTax also maintains a community forum where users can engage with fellow taxpayers, share experiences, and seek guidance from experienced users. It makes filing your taxes both fun and simple by eliminating unnecessary tax jargon. You’ll come across info bubbles and explainers, which makes it easier for anyone to use more complex features like depreciation or expense calculators.

Its excellent UI and clean design make for seamless navigation. Plus, the interview-style format lets you ensure that you complete all necessary sections.

image of TurboTax's dashboard that shows various tax breaks

TurboTax dashboard

TurboTax vs TaxSlayer: User Reviews

We compared the user review scores for TaxSlayer and TurboTax on both Consumer Affairs and Trustpilot.  Users on Consumer Affairs scored both software poorly, although TaxSlayer scored slightly better than TurboTax with 2.9 out of 5 stars. However, TaxSlayer scored far better than TurboTax at Trustpilot with 4.3 stars versus a very poor 1.2 stars for Intuit. We don’t believe either software deserves these very low scores as users are likely frustrated with the complexity of filing taxes.

TaxSlayer users appreciate that its features include free phone and email support with every plan and that they are all affordable. Reviewers also praised its useful tools like IRS audit assistance and a capable mobile app. Its biggest disadvantage when compared to TurboTax is that it lacks full-service preparation and filing.

TaxSlayer earned the following average scores on popular review sites:

  • Consumer Affairs1: 2.9 out of 5 based on about 207 reviews
  • Trustpilot2: 4.3 out of 5 based on around 25,298 reviews

Meanwhile, TurboTax users decimated Intuit for its poor customer service and what the users believe is deceptive pricing.

The platform has the following average scores on popular review sites:

  • Consumer Affairs3: 2.2 out of 5 based on about 3,400 reviews
  • Trustpilot4: 1.2 out of 5 based on about 331 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, both TaxSlayer and TurboTax allow users to import the previous year’s tax data from their own software or other tax preparation platforms.

To qualify for TaxSlayer’s free filing option, Simply Free, your taxable income must be less than $100,000, you must not claim any dependents, your filing status must be Single or Married Filing Jointly, and you must take the standard deduction. In addition, your types of income must be limited to wages, salaries, tips, taxable interest of $1,500 or less, and unemployment compensation.

Yes, TurboTax has a mobile app that is available for both iOS and Android.

While both providers offer live tax assistance, only TurboTax offers full-service preparation and filing of tax returns.

Bottom Line

TaxSlayer stands out with its affordable pricing and user-friendly interface, making it an excellent choice for individuals with straightforward tax situations. Meanwhile, TurboTax excels with its robust customer support and comprehensive range of tools, making it ideal for both individuals and businesses seeking assisted or full-service filing.

User review references:
1Consumer Affairs | TaxSlayer
2Trustpilot | TaxSlayer
3Consumer Affairs | TurboTax
4Trustpilot | TurboTax

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 business for various consumer publications.