TaxSlayer is a subsidiary of Rhodes-Murphy & Co., one of the oldest players in computerized tax preparation services. It's headquartered in Augusta, Georgia, and employs about 200 people year-round, plus an additional 300 support staff during tax season.
TaxSlayer offers four online self-preparation plans, including a no cost one for qualified filers. Consulting with a tax professional doesn't require a costly upgrade, but is only available with some plans.
Many customers have reviewed the company on public forums and reported being satisfied with their TaxSlayer experience, though some complained about buggy software and a lack of guidance around uncommon tax concepts.
Business Insider's personal finance team compared TaxSlayer to the best tax software and found it to be a standard offering.
Who Is TaxSlayer Best For?
TaxSlayer is best for people who don't want to pay a premium for big-name tax services but aren't willing to compromise on efficiency and quality.
It's better for people who either have a simple tax situation or are comfortable with the tax-filing process, though it does offer varying levels of customer support.
As with most online tax services, filers seeking quick answers or one-on-one help from a tax pro will need to upgrade beyond TaxSlayer's basic plan, but the cost increase is worth it.
up to $52.95 for federal tax return and an additional $39.95 for state tax return
- Strong option for self-employed filers
- Low price — comparable self-employed packages at H&R Block and TurboTax are more than 2x the cost
- All packages include phone and email support
- Self-employed package includes on-demand access to a tax professional
- Simple and clean interface
- Ability to set up reminders to pay estimated quarterly taxes throughout the year
- Filers with any type of tax situation who meet AGI limits can use the IRS Free File program to file a federal return, and maybe a state return, with TaxSlayer at no cost
- Free version advertised on its website does not include earned income tax credit or child tax credit
- Interface isn't as intuitive as H&R Block or TurboTax
TaxSlayer is a good budget option for people who don't need a lot of assistance when filing their taxes and can be a great value for self-employed filers. However, the interface can be a bit clunky, and the free and lower-cost packages might not have all the features you need.
- Choose direct deposit for your refund and e-file your return to get your fastest refund possible.
- Everyone gets free, unlimited phone and email support. And if you need more help, we have you covered from Ask a Tax Pro to Audit Defense.
- Download free app for tax filing, resources, news, and tips at your fingertips.
- Guaranteed maximum refund
- 100% accuracy guaranteed
- Zero out-of-pocket fees
TaxSlayer Details
- DIY filing ranges up to $52.95 for federal tax return and an additional $39.95 for state tax return
- Four plans offering varying levels of customer service and direct access to a tax pro
- No cost federal filing for simple tax situations with annual income of $100,000 or less
Federal and State Tax Filing
TaxSlayer offers federal and state return prep. State returns cost extra, however, even if you qualify for no cost federal filing.
After preparing, reviewing, and signing your return(s), TaxSlayer submits them directly to the IRS and/or your state government for processing.
Import and Export Capabilities
Inputting income and tax withholding information can be tedious for some filers with complex situations. Every tax package offered by TaxSlayer, except the Simply Free plan, allows you to upload PDFs of your W-2s and 1099s, and your prior-year tax return. The system scans those forms and auto-fills your information where it can, saving you time (though you should always double-check the numbers before moving on to ensure they were transferred accurately).
Accuracy and Error-Checking
TaxSlayer's 100% accuracy guarantee ensures that all calculations performed through its software are correct. If an error is found, the company will reimburse any federal and/or state penalties or interest charges due to underpayment of tax. The guarantee doesn't cover mistakes arising out of incorrect information provided by you or willful admissions.
Deduction Finder
TaxSlayer doesn't advertise a deduction finder feature, but the Classic, Premium, and Self-Employed plans help taxpayers claim all federal deductions they qualify for, including (but not limited to) the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit, and various itemized deductions.
TaxSlayer Pros and Cons
Advantages of TaxSlayer
- Good value for self-employed filers looking for a budget option
- Active-duty military members can file a federal return for no cost regardless of tax situation
- No cost version covers education credits and student loan interest deduction
Disadvantages of TaxSlayer
- Expert assistance is only available with higher-cost packages
- Interface isn't as intuitive as some big-name services
- No cost version doesn't allow you to upload income documents or your prior-year tax return
How Much Does TaxSlayer Cost?
TaxSlayer is among the least expensive options for self-preparing taxes when your situation requires you to pay.
Simply Free Edition
TaxSlayer's Simply Free edition costs $0 for qualified customers and includes one state return. You must be using the single or married filing jointly status; claim no dependents; have $100,000 or less in taxable income from wages, salaries, and tips; and have $1,500 or less in taxable interest and unemployment compensation.
Simply Free includes a very limited number of deductions and credits: the American Opportunity Tax Credit, the Lifetime Learning Credit, and the student loan interest deduction. If you want to claim any other credits or deductions (other than the standard deduction), you must upgrade to Classic.
Active-duty military can file federal returns with TaxSlayer for no cost, with no restrictions.
Classic Edition
- $22.95 (state returns extra)
For the 2025 tax filing season, TaxSlayer's Classic package can be used for almost any tax situation.
If you feel confident filing your taxes with minimal guidance, this is the most cost-efficient package. You might also save time, as it offers W-2 and select 1099 imports to autofill your income.
Premium Edition
- $42.95 (state returns extra)
TaxSlayer's Premium offering covers every tax situation in the Classic Edition and upgrades your customer support options.
You'll get access to advanced customer support features, including live chat technical support, front-of-the-line privileges for email and phone support with tax professionals, and three years of IRS audit support. This is for people with complicated situations who need a little help along the way.
Self-Employed Edition
- $52.95 (state returns extra)
While people with self-employment income — e.g. contractors, freelancers, business owners, and gig workers — can qualify for TaxSlayer's Classic package, the Self-Employed edition sets up the interface to take users through self-employment taxes specifically.
You'll also unlock access to tax pros with self-employment expertise, year-round estimated tax payment reminders, and an exclusive self-employed tax guide. This plan is much cheaper than self-employed products from other large tax-prep companies.
State Filing Fees
If you live in a state that imposes income taxes, you may have to pay an additional $39.95 to prepare a state tax return with TaxSlayer, which is on par with other online tax-prep services. If you lived or worked in more than one state, you may have to pay for multiple state returns.
Estimate Your Taxes
How Does TaxSlayer Work?
User Interface and Design
The TaxSlayer website is streamlined and uncluttered and the features included with each tax-prep package are clearly explained, as is pricing. TaxSlayer can be accessed via desktop computer or mobile app.
Step-by-Step Guidance
After you set up a TaxSlayer account with your email address and personal information, you'll be asked a series of questions about your finances and household for the tax year in question. You'll need things like W-2s, 1099s, 1098-Ts, and any other receipts of income or expenses that may be deductible. TaxSlayer allows you to upload PDFs of these forms or import them from payroll providers, which saves time on data entry.
After you've answered all the prompts, TaxSlayer will calculate your refund or tax due. After electronically signing your return(s), TaxSlayer will submit it to the IRS and/or your state government directly. You can also print a copy for your records, though it will be saved to your account.
Customer Support
Support Options Available
All TaxSlayer plans come with basic phone and email support. If you expect to need urgent or one-on-one help with your taxes, you might consider upgrading to a Premium or Self-Employed plan.
With Premium, your support requests will float to the top of the queue and you can access a live chat if you need technical help. You can also get paired with a tax professional for unlimited personal guidance, though wait times can vary throughout tax season.
With Self-Employed, you'll get access to tax pros with self-employment expertise.
Security and Privacy
Data Encryption and Security Measures
TaxSlayer requires users to create a strong password and request a single-use verification code each time they log in. The company uses standard data encryption practices to protect your personal information as well as a number of other security-related technologies. You can read more about TaxSlayer's security efforts here.
Privacy Policy
TaxSlayer does not sell user data for monetary gain. The company's privacy policy, which explains all the ways the company collects, stores, and uses your information is extensive and can be reviewed here.
TaxSlayer Alternatives
How Does TaxSlayer Work?
User Interface and Design
The TaxSlayer website is streamlined and uncluttered and the features included with each tax-prep package are clearly explained, as is pricing. TaxSlayer can be accessed via desktop computer or mobile app.
Step-by-Step Guidance
After you set up a TaxSlayer account with your email address and personal information, you'll be asked a series of questions about your finances and household for the tax year in question. You'll need things like W-2s, 1099s, 1098-Ts, and any other receipts of income or expenses that may be deductible. TaxSlayer allows you to upload PDFs of these forms or import them from payroll providers, which saves time on data entry.
After you've answered all the prompts, TaxSlayer will calculate your refund or tax due. After electronically signing your return(s), TaxSlayer will submit it to the IRS and/or your state government directly. You can also print a copy for your records, though it will be saved to your account.
Customer Support
Support Options Available
All TaxSlayer plans come with basic phone and email support. If you expect to need urgent or one-on-one help with your taxes, you might consider upgrading to a Premium or Self-Employed plan.
With Premium, your support requests will float to the top of the queue and you can access a live chat if you need technical help. You can also get paired with a tax professional for unlimited personal guidance, though wait times can vary throughout tax season.
With Self-Employed, you'll get access to tax pros with self-employment expertise.
Security and Privacy
Data Encryption and Security Measures
TaxSlayer requires users to create a strong password and request a single-use verification code each time they log in. The company uses standard data encryption practices to protect your personal information as well as a number of other security-related technologies. You can read more about TaxSlayer's security efforts here.
Privacy Policy
TaxSlayer does not sell user data for monetary gain. The company's privacy policy, which explains all the ways the company collects, stores, and uses your information is extensive and can be reviewed here.
TaxSlayer Customer Experience
Compilation of User Feedback
TaxSlayer has more than 27,400 reviews on Trustpilot. Two-thirds of the ratings for TaxSlayer are 5 out of 5 stars, 15% are 4-star reviews, and a combined 17% are 1-star, 2-star, or 3-star reviews.
Top reviews of TaxSlayer describe a smooth tax-prep experience, generally helpful and attentive customer support staff, and user-friendly features. By contrast, unsatisfied customers complained about difficulties reporting certain investment income and calculating taxes owed, filing while living abroad, and potential software bugs around flagging and fixing errors. It seems that filers with more complex situations were often pushed up against limitations in TaxSlayer's software.
Overall Rating and Satisfaction
TaxSlayer is an A+ rated accredited business with the Better Business Bureau, a non-profit organization that rates businesses on a scale of A+ to F.
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TaxSlayer Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, TaxSlayer does have a no cost tax filing option. You can use the Simply Free version only if you meet qualifications such as, your taxable income is less than $100,000, you claim the standard deduction, you don't claim dependents, and the types of income you're filing are wages, salaries, tips, unemployment compensation, and taxable interest of $1,500 or less.
The benefits of using the Classic or Premium Editions of TaxSlayer are that there are no restrictions on income or deductions. Anyone can file a federal or state return with these packages, but the Premium edition comes with priority customer support and one-on-one tax pro assistance.
TaxSlayer ensures 100% accuracy of your federal and state tax returns. Any calculation errors resulting in federal or state penalties or interest for the taxpayer will be reimbursed by TaxSlayer, except for any additional tax owed.
Yes, you can import your previous tax return into TaxSlayer to save time filling out your personal information. However, this feature is not available in the Simply Free edition.
TaxSlayer offers basic phone and email support for its Simply Free and Classic plans. Users who upgrade to a Premium or Self-Employed plan get front-of-the-line phone and email support, live chats for technical support, Ask a Tax Pro access, and audit assistance.
TaxSlayer is cheaper than H&R Block and TurboTax for most filers, but it doesn't include the same level of expert help. When it comes to price and quality, TaxSlayer is comparable to TaxAct and E-file.
Why You Should Trust Us: How We Rated TaxSlayer
We rated TaxSlayer's online tax software on factors most important to do-it-yourself filers, including cost, value, and user experience. Also, access to tax experts is a standard offering in today's tax software marketplace, so we considered whether TaxSlayer met that mark. The company's overall trustworthiness — including how easy or hard it is to compare products and prices — was also a crucial factor in our rating.
For more information, see our tax software methodology.
