TaxSlayer Review 2025 – Don’t Buy Before Reading This!
TaxSlayer has a great reputation for being a reliable tax prep service, affordable and easy to use for individuals, self-employed, and small business owners looking for a fast and simple tax filing solution.
So does TaxSlayer live up to the hype?
As certified business experts, we dug deep into the features, pricing, and overall performance to give you the review. In this article, we cover the pros, cons, and everything you need to know to decide if TaxSlayer is the right tax prep for you.
What is TaxSlayer?
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TaxSlayer is a tax prep platform for all types of tax situations, from simple individual returns to complex returns for self-employed and small business owners.
With over 50 years of experience, the Augusta-based tech company completed over 10 million federal and state e-filed tax returns in 2021, processing $15 billion in refunds [1].
Guided filing, W-2 imports, and built-in accuracy checks make TaxSlayer accessible to all levels of experience. Federal and state taxes, to help you get the biggest refund and smallest error.
Affordable pricing and simple plans make TaxSlayer a great option for taxpayers and business owners with a small budget.
Our #1 Recommendation
TaxSlayer
TaxSlayer Review Ratings
We reviewed TaxSlayer based on effectiveness, pricing, support, and user experience. Here’s how it rates:
Support - 5.0/5
TaxSlayer offers exceptional customer support through both email and live chat, ensuring you get quick help for any general questions.
For more personalized assistance, the premium plans provide access to tax professionals, making it a great option for those who need expert guidance.
Even on the standard plans, users find that support is fast and helpful, making TaxSlayer a top choice for those who value excellent customer service throughout the tax filing process.
Price - 4.9/5
TaxSlayer’s pricing is one of the most competitive in the tax software industry. Their pricing is transparent and even their premium plans are affordable.
So TaxSlayer is a great option for individuals and small business owners looking for a cost-effective tax filing solution.
User Ratings - 4.8/5
Users love TaxSlayer’s affordability and ease of use. The guided filing system and features like deduction maximizers are good for both new and experienced filers.
Many users say it streamlines the filing process, reduces errors, and gets you the biggest refund.
Ease of Use - 4.7/5
TaxSlayer’s simple and user-friendly interface makes tax prep a breeze.
Auto-import for W-2 forms, real-time error checking, and guided navigation help you stay on track and not miss the tax deadline, so it’s good for users of all tax knowledge levels.
Features - 4.8/5
TaxSlayer has features like Deduction Finder and refund calculators to help you find tax savings.
These work together to make sure you claim all your deductions and credits and get your biggest refund during the filing process.
Privacy and Security- 4.7/5
TaxSlayer takes security and privacy seriously, using advanced encryption to protect your personal and financial information during tax filing.
The software complies with IRS security standards and uses multi-factor authentication to safeguard accounts from unauthorized access.
We like that TaxSlayer also has strict privacy policies, ensuring your data is not shared without permission.
TaxSlayer Service Features and Prices
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TaxSlayer has plans for all tax needs. All plans include federal filing, with state filing options.
If you have a simple W-2 income or complex self-employment taxes, TaxSlayer will make sure your federal return is accurate and on time.
- Free Plan ($0 Federal + $0 State): Good for simple returns with W-2 income and standard deductions. Includes basic features like guided filing and error checking. Good for first-time filers or those with simple tax situations.
- Classic Plan ($22.95 Federal + $39.95 per State): Supports all major forms, so good for most individual filers. It includes W-2 imports and IRS audit assistance. This package is a more affordable option for users who need a few more features.
- Premium Plan ($42.95 Federal + $39.95 per State): Comes with priority support, including access to tax pros for personalized help. It also Includes refund tracking and expedited support.
- Self-Employed Plan ($52.95 Federal + $39.95 per State): This is good for freelancers, gig workers, and small business owners who manage business income, deductions, and expenses. It also comes with industry-specific tax guidance.
TaxSlayer Additional Features
In addition to its tax filing services, TaxSlayer has other tools and resources to help individuals and small businesses with complex tax situations and year-round support. Here are a few:
- Audit Assistance: ($39.95)
- Priority Support: (Starting at $42.95)
- Deduction Finder: (Included in all plans)
- W-2 Import Tool: ($0)
- Self-Employed Resources (Stating from $$42.95 Federal + $39.95 per State)
- Multi-State Filing ($39.95 per additional state)
- Tax Refund Tracking (Free with all plans)
These extra features make TaxSlayer a one-stop shop for all your tax needs.
Benefits
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TaxSlayer has many benefits that make it a favorite among taxpayers. For example, its plans are flexible to fit your needs, including those who qualify for specific credits like education deductions. These features help you get more back and file faster.
- Low Cost: TaxSlayer is low cost, with plans to fit your budget. From free to affordable premium options, it’s a great value for individuals and small businesses.
- User Friendly: TaxSlayer is designed to be easy to use with a simple interface and step-by-step guidance. First-time filers will find it easy to use and experienced users will save time.
- Flexible Plans: TaxSlayer has plans to fit your needs, free options, and advanced plans for self-employed. So you can choose a plan that fits your specific tax situation.
- Small Business Support: Self-employed and small business owners have tools to manage 1099 income, deductions, and expenses. These tools make it easier to handle business taxes.
- Time Savers: With W-2 imports, auto error checks, and refund tracking TaxSlayer makes filing easier. These features reduce errors and let you file fast and confident.
Downsides
TaxSlayer has many benefits but here are a few drawbacks:
- Limited Free Plan: The free plan only supports basic tax situations like simple W-2 filings. If you have more complex returns like investments or self-employed income you will need to upgrade to a paid plan.
- State Filing Cost: TaxSlayer is $39.95 per state, which can add up if you file in multiple states. This may not be the most affordable multi-state filing option compared to other companies.
Who Should Hire TaxSlayer?
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TaxSlayer is good for:
- Simple Filers: For those with simple tax returns, W-2 employees, or students who need easy-to-use and low-cost tax software.
- Self-Employed: For freelancers and gig workers who need tools to manage 1099 income, deductions, and expenses and keep their filing process simple.
- Budget Minded: For individuals and small businesses who need low-cost tax software without sacrificing federal and state filing features and usability.
TaxSlayer Customer Testimonials
TaxSlayer Alternatives
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When choosing a tax software you should compare options to find the one that fits your needs.
Below we compare TaxSlayer with three other options: TurboTax, H&R Block, and TaxAct. We’ll highlight the features, differences, and benefits of each.
H&R Block
H&R Block has online filing and in-person support at over 9,000 locations to fit your style.
It has Worry-Free Audit Support which is a nice bonus and financial services like refund advance loans so it’s good for users who want extra resources. H&R Block’s interface is easy to use and has guided navigation like TaxSlayer.
But their prices for advanced services and in-person consultations are higher so not ideal if you’re budget-limited.
If you want an online-only option TaxSlayer may be the way to go especially for simple tax situations.
TurboTax
TurboTax has a lot of features and a slick interface so it’s good for users who want advanced tools. It makes filing easy with step-by-step navigation so even complex returns are doable.
Turbo Tax Live has access to certified tax experts for personalized help which is a big plus for users who need extra help. QuickBooks integration is a bonus for small business owners.
But TurboTax’s premium services are much more expensive than TaxSlayer.
Good for individuals with unique financial situations like investors or self-employed professionals. TurboTax’s pricing is for those who are willing to pay for premium features and full support.
Users with simple tax needs may find TaxSlayer more affordable without sacrificing functionality.
TaxAct
TaxAct is affordable and easy to use like TaxSlayer. Has transparent pricing with no hidden fees so good for individuals and small businesses who want simple tax software.
TaxAct has tools for basic and moderately complex returns with features like deduction maximizers and audit assistance. Their pricing is competitive but state filing fees are higher than TaxSlayer’s, especially for users filing in multiple states.
TaxAct doesn’t have all the advanced features of the more expensive platforms like TurboTax but it’s good for simplicity and budget-conscious users.
Users who need an affordable solution for federal and state taxes may find TaxSlayer and TaxAct similar, TaxSlayer has more tailored plans for self-employed professionals.
FAQs
1. Is TaxSlayer Good for Small Business?
Yes, TaxSlayer’s self-employed plan has tools for 1099 income, deductions, and business bank account expenses so it’s a good and affordable option for small business owners and freelancers.
2. Can I File for Multiple States with TaxSlayer?
Yes, TaxSlayer allows multi-state filing for an additional $39.95 per state return. They have tax professionals who guide self-employed users with income sources in multiple states. With this feature, you can meet your tax filing deadline easily.
3. What if I Make a Mistake?
TaxSlayer has built-in accuracy checks and audit assistance services to help you identify and fix errors on your tax forms so you can have peace of mind while filing.
4. Does TaxSlayer have Refund Tracking?
Yes, TaxSlayer has a built-in refund tracking feature so users can track their federal and state refunds in real-time after filing.
Our Verdict on TaxSlayer
TaxSlayer is an excellent option for individuals looking for an affordable and user-friendly way to file their taxes. It offers straightforward tools and guidance that make tax filing quick and easy, all without breaking the bank.
With TaxSlayer, you can enjoy features like maximum refund guarantees, helpful customer support, and seamless navigation through your return.
Whether you're filing a simple return or something slightly more complex, TaxSlayer delivers great value and convenience at a fraction of the cost.
Our #1 Recommendation
TaxSlayer
Reference:
- https://www.taxslayer.com/blog/taxslayer-new-campaign-file-fearlessly-and-product-enhancements/