If you're looking for low-cost tax software, TaxSlayer should be on your radar. Some filers may qualify for free federal and state filing, but even the basic paid plan covers many types of tax situations at a reasonable price.
It's a great choice if you're a confident filer, as the only real difference between its four tiers is the level of support you have access to.
TaxSlayer guarantees the maximum refund and 100% accuracy, and you can deduct the cost of filing from your federal tax refund.
TaxSlayer
Online plans
Simply Free, Classic, Premium, Self-Employed, Military
Free version
Simply Free can be used for federal and state returns (Form 1040 + limited credits only)
Guarantee
Maximum refund and 100% accuracy guarantees
Live support
Simply Free and Classic: Phone and email support, Premium: Priority phone support and live chat, Self-Employed: Access to a tax pro with self-employed expertise.
Tax refund advance loan
No
Pros
- Free plan can be used for federal and state returns
- Paid tiers are cheaper than many competitors
- Guarantees accuracy and maximum refund
- IRS inquiry and audit support with select plans
Cons
- Free edition limited has income cap of $100,000 and doesn't allow you to claim dependents.
- Experts only available with Premium and Self-Employed plans
TaxSlayer pros and cons
- Free filing available for simple returns
- All paid tiers cover all schedules
- Free federal returns for active-duty military
- 100% accuracy guarantee
- Audit assistance and defense
- Free tier has many restrictions, no document upload
- Less intuitive interface
- Limited free help
Offers in this section are from affiliate partners and selected based on a combination of engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent availability.
The Deluxe plan comes with priority support and live chat, while the paid Pro Support tier adds access to a tax pro, phone support, live screenshare and assistance with federal and state returns
Guarantees 100% accuracy and maximum refund
TaxAct Xpert Assist is available starting at $45
100% accuracy and maximum refund
Terms apply
TaxSlayer pricing
TaxSlayer allows filers with simple returns to submit free federal returns and one free state return. Paid plans begin at $22.99.
Prices change frequently, so check the TaxSlayer website for the most current rates.
TaxSlayer plans
TaxSlayer offers four self-filing tiers to suit various needs and budgets.
TaxSlayer Simply Free
To qualify for Simply Free, you must earn $100,000 or less, file single or married jointly with no dependents, be 65 or under and claim the standard deduction. Simply Free can be used for both federal and state tax returns.
With Simply Free, you can still claim the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) and the Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC) and deduct student loan interest.
TaxSlayer Classic
TaxSlayer Classic is the brand's most affordable tier. For $22.95, you can file a federal tax return that covers any situation and can claim any deductions and credits you qualify for. State returns are an additional $39.99 each.
As with the Simply Free tier, you get unlimited phone and email support. Classic also provides help with IRS inquiries for up to one year after your return is accepted.
TaxSlayer
Free version
Yes
Guarantee
Guarantees 100% accuracy and maximum refund
Live support
Simply Free and Classic: Phone and email support, Premium: Priority phone support and live chat, Self-Employed: Access to a tax pro with self-employed expertise
Tax refund advance loan
No
TaxSlayer Premium
TaxSlayer Premium includes everything you get from Classic, plus one-on-one help from a tax professional, starting at $42.99. State returns are an additional $39.99 each.
You'll also receive audit assistance for up to three years after your return is accepted, priority phone and email support and access to live chat if you need fast help with any technical issues.
While some competitors offer features that TaxSlayer lacks, such as video chat and screen-sharing, you'll pay a much higher price.
TaxSlayer Self-Employed
For $52.99, TaxSlayer Self-Employed offers everything available in Premium, plus access to a tax pro with experience helping entrepreneurs and small businesses.
With this tier, you'll also get assistance in maximizing your deductions when you enter your business expenses and income, and receive quarterly estimated tax payment reminders.
If you're audited, you'll also get oversight from an IRS Enrolled Agent to help you through.
How does TaxSlayer compare?
Affordability is TaxSlayer's main draw. For example, TurboTax currently charges up to $139 for you to do your own taxes. If you need the help of a tax expert, you can expect to pay up to $219.
TurboTax
Free version
If you have a simple Form 1040 return only (no forms or schedules except as needed to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, student loan interest, and Schedule 1-A), you can file for free yourself with TurboTax Free Edition, or you can file with TurboTax Expert Assist Basic at the listed price. Roughly 37% of taxpayers are eligible.
Guarantee
Guarantees 100% accuracy and maximum refund
Live support
Expert Assist plan includes unlimited assistance and final review. Expert Full Service includes a dedicated expert to complete and file your return.
Tax refund advance loan
Yes
Read our review of TurboTax tax software.
The extra cost does come with more accessibility, as TurboTax offers more robust live support by phone, live chat, video call and screen share.
Cash App Taxes
Free version
Yes
Guarantee
Guarantees 100% accuracy and maximum refund
Live support
No
Tax refund advance loan
No
Read our review of Cash App Taxes
Cash App Taxes allows you to file both federal and state taxes for free, including if you have a small business or self-employed income. However, you won't get personalized tax advice or priority assistance if you have tech issues.
TaxSlayer offers plenty of bang for your buck, with a great blend of affordability and tax expert assistance.
Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox. Sign up here.
Why trust CNBC Select?
At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed financial decisions. Every tax software review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of tax software products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.
Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage of credit cards, banking and money, and follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.
