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
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|---|---|---|
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 |
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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 |
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When To Use
TaxSlayer vs TurboTax: Pricing
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 | |
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.
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.
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
