TaxSlayer Review

TaxSlayer is an online tax filing software for taxpayers who are comfortable taking the DIY route for preparing taxes. There are four products to choose from, including a free version for people who need a basic tax prep tool and a version just for freelancers and contractors. You can even start your return for free when you create your account, with the option to switch to a different version along the way if it better fits your needs. 

Here, we'll examine TaxSlayer's features, pricing, and ease of use, along with a look at how it compares to other leading online tax software. 

Read on to learn whether TaxSlayer is a worthwhile option for preparing your tax return this year.

TaxSlayer Pricing and Packages

TaxSlayer offers tax prep packages designed to fit a variety of different needs, and each one is priced accordingly. Except for the Simply Free version, there's an add-on charge for filing state returns. Here's how the fees compare for each one, along with a brief description of who they may be good for:

TaxSlayer Packages & Prices
Package	Designed For	Federal Filing	State Filing
Simply Free	People who file simple returns	$0	$0
Classic	Filers who want easy import of W-2s or need the rest of the tax forms	$17	$32 per state return
Premium	Filers who want priority support, live chat, or IRS Audit Assistance for three years	$37	$32 per state return
Self-Employed	Self-employed individuals who want access to a tax professional for help with 1099s and Schedule C	$47	$32 per state return

If you're looking for a cost-friendly online tax filing software, TaxSlayer doesn't disappoint. It's possible to file a simple state and federal return for free, and the paid versions are priced lower than some of TaxSlayer's main competitors. In fact, TaxSlayer offers highly affordable pricing for filers with basic and more complicated returns.

TaxSlayer doesn’t prominently advertise it, but they do offer free federal tax returns for active-duty military members by offering them the Classic tier software for free. State returns cost an additional $32 for military members.

TaxSlayer Features

Some features come included with all of TaxSlayer's online software versions but others are only available with the Classic, Premium, or Self-Employed options. Here's a sampling of what you can get, depending on which version of the software you choose:

Features & Package Options
Feature	Simply Free	Classic	Premium	Self-Employed
Deduction Finder	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
PDF Uploads of Prior Returns	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Fast W-2 Import	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Import Prior Year Tax Info	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
One State Return Included Free	Yes	No	No	No
IRS Audit Assistance	No	One year	Three years	Three years, but not for filers with Schedules C, K-1, or Form 2555
Email & Phone Support	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Live Chat Support	No	No	Yes	Yes
Priority Support	No	No	Yes	Yes
Tax Pro Help	No	No	Yes	Yes

While these are all great features to have, TaxSlayer does leave something to be desired when it comes to integrations with third-party apps. You can't import data from expense tracking apps such as Stride or ItsDeductible or investment data from your robo-advisor's app. You'll need to enter in these tax items manually.

TaxSlayer does offer some other benefits with its software.:

• Guaranteed Maximum Refund: TaxSlayer guarantees that you'll receive the maximum refund you're entitled to or they'll refund what you paid for the software.
• Zero Out-of-Pocket Fees: Instead of paying upfront for your TaxSlayer software, you can choose to have the cost deducted from your federal tax refund. You have to pay additional fees to use this option, though.
• 100% Accuracy Guarantee: TaxSlayer guarantees 100 percent accurate calculations of your taxes or they'll reimburse you any federal and/or state penalties and interest charges. Note that the error must be due to their calculations, not your inputs.

Ease of Use/Design

TaxSlayer features a straightforward design and site layout. To get started, create a free account where you'll need to share your email address and create a password.

From there, you're taken to the TaxSlayer menu where you can begin your tax return. But first, make sure you read through and agree to TaxSlayer's use of information disclosure which details how TaxSlayer uses your information.

Next, select the version of the software you wish to use. The menu is laid out in a sidebar with six sections you can work through:

• Basic information
• Federal section
• Health insurance
• State section
• Summary/print
• E-file

The easiest approach is to start with entering your basic information, which includes your name, Social Security number, date of birth, mailing address, and occupation. You'll also enter your filing status and information for your dependents here as well as information about your Economic Impact Payment.

Next, you'll enter your federal tax information, including income, deductions, and credits. You'll also need to provide information about your health insurance. TaxSlayer transfers your federal return information automatically to complete your state return.

TaxSlayer Support

TaxSlayer offers unlimited email and phone support to Simply Free and Classic users. You can view the support phone number and current hours when you sign in. You can also send email questions to the support team directly from your account or forward them to support@taxslayer.com.

You'll need the Premium or Self-Employed software to get access to live chat help. You can also unlock Priority Support and the Ask a Tax Pro service with the Premium or Self-Employed versions. 

With Ask a Tax Pro, you can pose a tax question to a trained tax professional. Then, they'll contact you with an answer after researching your question. The upgrade cost to add this service is the $20 difference between the Classic and Premium software options or $37 between the Simply Free and Premium software options.

TaxSlayer's Knowledgebase includes answers to many common tax questions. If you don't want to wait for an email response or stay on hold over the phone, try searching the Knowledgebase to find the information you need.

You can also get support from TaxSlayer if you're audited. Audit Assistance is available for three years from the date you purchase your tax software for Premium customers. 

There are some limitations, however. TaxSlayer offers no audit assistance if you file Schedule C, K-1, or form 2555 with your return. The program doesn't extend to state returns, either.

TaxSlayer Mobile App

Unlike some of its competitors, TaxSlayer doesn't offer a downloadable version. But there is a mobile app available for iPhone and Android users. You can use the app to:

• Estimate your tax refund using your W-2 or paystub.
• E-file your tax return.
• Check the status of your tax return.

Compared to other tax software mobile apps, TaxSlayer doesn't give you quite as many options. For instance, TurboTax lets you input your W-2 by snapping a picture.

TaxSlayer vs. Other Tax Software

TaxSlayer is just one of many online tax filing software options. As with any other purchase, it's a good idea to do some comparison shopping first. This table highlights TaxSlayer's pricing and best features alongside three other popular tax filing options.

Competitive Analysis
Considerations	TaxSlayer	TaxAct Online	TurboTax Online	H&R Block Online
Cost Range (Pricing as of January 1, 2021)	$0 to $47 for federal returns; $32 for state returns	$0 to $64.95 for federal returns; $4.95 to $44.95 for state returns	$0 to $170 for federal returns; $0 to $50 for state returns	$0 to $144.99 for federal returns; $0 to $36.99 for state returns
Best Features	Multiple low-cost filing options; deductions finder for maximum deductions; live chat and IRS Audit Assistance for Premium and Self-Employed Users	Mobile app W-2 capture; import federal tax returns filed with other tax software in PDF form; Accuracy Guarantee; Protection Plus Audit Defense available for a fee	Integrates with ItsDeductible; import tax returns filed with other software in PDF form; professional tax prep assistance with TurboTax Live for eligible packages	Mobile app W-2 capture; import tax returns filed with other software in PDF form; 3.5% refund bonus when you load some or all of your refund to an Amazon gift card
Download/Mobile App Support	Mobile app only	Yes	Yes	Yes
Customer Support	Unlimited phone and email support for Simply Free and Classic users; Priority Support, Live Chat and Ask a Tax Pro available with Premium and Self-Employed	Phone and email for online and download users	Chat, phone, and through the online TurboTax community; fees apply to speak to a live tax expert	Help center, phone, and chat or unlimited tax expert help with Online Assist tier products

Who TaxSlayer Is Good For

TaxSlayer is a good budget option for those with tax situations that don’t require a lot of transaction entry. In some cases, you can file both federal and state returns for free. Even people with complex situations can file a federal tax return for only $17.

Who TaxSlayer Isn’t Good For

TaxSlayer isn’t good for people who have many transactions to input, such as investment sales. The software doesn’t support importing information other than the prior year’s tax return and your W-2 (on paid tiers only). People who want help from a licensed CPA (Certified Public Accountant) may want to look elsewhere as TaxSlayer doesn’t specify whether their Ask a Tax Pro professionals have CPA certification.