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TaxSlayer is an online tax planning service that walks the fine line between ease-of-use and affordability. It has four options that fit well with various filers, from single to self-employed and from students to complex tax situations. Keep reading to find out all TaxSlayer has to offer.
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See offers from these other tax services: TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct.
TaxSlayer Filing Options
TaxSlayer offers four online filing options: Simply Free, Classic, Premium and Self-Employed. All work with different devices, so you can easily file using your laptop, tablet or smartphone.
Simple Free lets you file both a federal and a state tax return for free*. But this low-cost option just applies to simple returns (form 1040EZ), which includes those who:
- Are single or married with no dependents
- Have income reported only on W-2 forms
Otherwise, you’ll need to upgrade to another filing option if you want to claim more deductions or credits.
Simply Free has the following features:
- Step-by-step instruction guide
- PDF import
- Real-time tax refund calculator
- TaxSlayer Deduction Finder
- Free email and phone support
*If you need to file multiple state returns, each return after your first one will cost you $29.
Classic (Federal – $17*, State – $29) is TaxSlayer’s most popular filing option. This plan covers all major forms, deductions and credits. TaxSlayer Classic is a good fit for a large range of users, including those with dependents.
Classic offers all the features of Simply Free, plus:
- All major forms
- W2 import
- Prior year tax return import
- Prior year comparison
*Active-duty military personnel can file their federal returns using Classic for free.
Premium (Federal – $37, State – $29) is for more complicated tax returns.
It includes all the features of Classic, plus:
- Live chat support
- Ask a tax pro
- Priority support
- IRS audit assistance
If you’re filing Schedule C, or if you have a 1099-MISC, you’ll want to go with the Self-Employed option (Federal – $47, State – $29). That includes freelancers, contractors, small business owners and others who are self-employed filers.
It includes all the features of Premium, plus:
- A personalized guide to self-employed taxes
- Access to a tax professional with self-employed expertise
Each plan comes with two guarantees: 100% accuracy on your return and the maximum refund possible
If there are any mistakes, TaxSlayer will refund your filing cost and reimburse you for any federal or state penalties as well as interest charges.
TaxSlayer Return & Payment Options
TaxSlayer lets you pay preparation fees with a debit or credit card. You can also use your federal return to cover the cost, if you don’t want to pay out-of-pocket. You’ll get the refund deposited to your bank account, minus the preparation fees.
If you want your return as quickly as possible, go for a direct deposit into your checking or savings account. You have the option of receiving a check in the mail, but it will take longer. TaxSlayer also offers refund advances as a $500 or $1,000 loan on a prepaid debit card.
TaxSlayer Competition
TaxSlayer is a very affordable service, but it’s not necessarily the best tax solution for everyone. Though its competitors might be more expensive, they also have more features to make up for their pricing.
| TaxSlayer | TaxAct | TurboTax |
| Simply Free Federal $0 | State $0 | Free Federal $0 | State $19.95 | Free Federal $0 | State $0 |
| Classic Federal $17 | State $29 | Basic+ Federal $14.95 | State $19.95 | Deluxe Federal $60 | State $45 |
| Premium Federal $37 | State $29 | Deluxe+ Federal $47.95 | State $39.95 | Premier Federal $90 | State $45 |
| Self-Employed Federal $47 | State $29 | Self-Employed Federal $77.95 | $39.95 | Self-Employed Federal $120 | State $45 |
| Premier+ Federal $57.95 | State: $39.95 |
TurboTax is one of the more expensive options, but it’s also incredibly user-friendly with an interview approach to fill out forms. Answer simple questions and TurboTax automatically does the calculations and enters the information for you. TurboTax also comes with 100% accuracy and maximum refund guarantees, like TaxSlayer.
Click here to find out how you can save up to $20 on TurboTax federal products.
TaxAct pricing falls between TaxSlayer and TurboTax and is considered to be a pretty affordable tax service. TaxAct is straightforward with step-by-step guidance and perks like a personalized financial assessment. If you want more content and greater transparency, you’ll want to pick TaxAct over TaxSlayer.
Click here to find out how you can save 20% off filing and earn $20 referral bonuses with TaxAct.
Bottom Line
TaxSlayer isn’t as well known as TurboTax, but it offers a solid service at a great price point. If you have simple tax planning needs, and you’re looking to save money, take a look at TaxSlayer.
First-time filer? Unconfident about filing your taxes? You might want to choose another service that will hold your hand through the filing process.
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