TaxSlayer vs. TurboTax: Compare Features and Price of These Tax Prep Services

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If you prefer to manage your own tax return rather than hire someone, an online tax prep service could be just the ticket to filing taxes this year. TurboTax® and TaxSlayer® offer multiple preparation options, from simple returns to complex tax scenarios.

This review explores each tax prep service's products, pricing, features, refund options and customer service. Keep reading as we compare TurboTax and TaxSlayer side by side to see which is best for your tax needs.

TaxSlayer vs. TurboTax: Overview

TaxSlayer	TurboTax
Simply Free: $01 Classic: $30.36 sale ($37.95 regular)+ $44.95 per state Premium: $46.36 sale ($57.95 regular) + $44.95 per state Self-Employed: $54.36 sale ($67.95 regular) + $44.95 per state Use code SAVE20 at checkout for 20% off**	TurboTax Free Edition: $0 federal ~37% of taxpayers qualify for TurboTax Free Edition. Form 1040 + limited credits only TurboTax Free Edition State: $0 state ~37% of taxpayers qualify for TurboTax Free Edition. Form 1040 + limited credits only TurboTax Deluxe: $69 federal + $64 per state TurboTax Premium: $129 federal + $64 per state Learn more
Guarantees Maximum refund guarantee 100% accuracy guarantee	Guarantees Accuracy guarantee Maximum refund guarantee Audit support guarantee Satisfaction guarantee Expert approved guarantee options
W-2 and Prior Year Import: Yes	W-2 and Prior Year Import: Yes
Audit Support: Basic inquiry help; full audit defense, depending on tier	Audit Support: Free audit support and more extensive support for a fee
Access to Tax Experts: Yes, with Premium + Self-Employed	Access to Tax Experts:Yes, for a fee

^{1Simply Free includes one free federal return. Simply Free may also include a free state return at certain times during the tax season, or may be free depending on any applicable coupons, discounts, or promotions. Simply Free is only available for those with a basic 1040. To qualify you must meet other eligibility requirements; offer may change or end at any time without notice. Less than the majority of U.S. taxpayers may qualify.}

^{**20% off your federal tax return. Offer is valid on federal tax returns e-filed by April 15, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Only valid for new or first time TaxSlayer users only. Promotion code must be entered at checkout. Offer is not applicable to state tax returns or additional products. Offer is valid for one-time use only and cannot be combined with any other coupons, promotions, discounts, or offers. Offer is nontransferable, cannot be sold or otherwise bartered, and is not applicable to previous purchases or returns.}

What Is TaxSlayer?

TaxSlayer

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• Our Rating 4.5/5 How our ratings work

Regardless of which tier you opt for, TaxSlayer offers users an incredible amount of value for a relatively affordable price. Featuring a free federal version meant for simple tax situations, as well as a Classic tier that includes access to additional deductions, credits and forms and a Premium tier that comes with robust customer support functionality, you'll likely be able to find a service offered by TaxSlayer that satisfies your needs. Plus, active military members can file their federal returns for free with TaxSlayer.

• Overview
• Pros & Cons

Overview

TaxSlayer offers several tiers of service, ranging from a free federal version that’s best for simple tax situations to a premium tier that includes live chat support, as well as priority phone and email support. While not everyone qualifies for TaxSlayer’s free edition, pricing on all of TaxSlayer’s tiers compares favorably to its top competitors’ prices.

Simply Free includes one free federal return. Simply Free may also include a free state return at certain times during the tax season, or may be free depending on any applicable coupons, discounts, or promotions. Simply Free is only available for those with a basic 1040. To qualify you must meet other eligibility requirements; offer may change or end at any time without notice. Less than the majority of U.S. taxpayers may qualify.

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Pros

• Premium tiers are relatively affordable compared to competing products
• Free version available for some users
• Free federal returns for active-duty military members

Cons

• Some tax credit forms not available in free version
• Free version not available to high-income users

TaxSlayer is an online tax preparation service offering tiered tax preparation packages online, all including free phone and email support. Add-on support packages and other tax preparation services are available with some paid tiers.

TaxSlayer has been helping people file their taxes for over 50 years. The Augusta, Georgia, company offers cloud-based, DIY tax preparation help to file federal and state tax returns electronically. Every customer receives unlimited support via email or phone. Other services, like audit help and tax pro help, are available via the Premium and Self-Employed tiers.

What Is TurboTax?

TurboTax

Get Started

• Our Rating 4.5/5 How our ratings work

TurboTax shines when it comes to customers who have more complex tax returns. The Deluxe option helps maximize tax deductions and credits, while Premium covers investments—including cryptocurrency and and stock activity—and rental properties. Plus, you can easily import your investment income automatically with TurboTax.

• Overview
• Pros & Cons

Overview

Regardless of how complex your tax return is, you’ll likely be able to find a TurboTax service that meets your needs. TurboTax offers several pricing tiers, including the TurboTax Free Edition (Disclaimer: ~37% of taxpayers qualify for TurboTax Free Edition. Form 1040 + limited credits only), as well as premium tiers geared toward more complicated returns. There’s even a full-service edition for anyone who’s worried about filling out their tax return incorrectly.

Pros

• A product for every tax situation, both simple and more complex
• TurboTax Premium includes investments and rental properties
• A comprehensive review of your return, ensuring nothing gets missed

Cons

• Some products are more expensive than competitors
• Pricing for specific packages can be hard to find at a glance

TurboTax is an online tax preparation software that offers a variety of tax return and refund options to fit most taxpayers' needs. TurboTax allows you to prepare and file federal and state tax returns regardless of your tax situation. Several versions of the popular software are available at various price points, as well as the TurboTax Free Edition (disclaimer: ~37% of taxpayers qualify for TurboTax Free Edition. Form 1040 + limited credits only).

A division of software company Intuit, TurboTax comes in multiple versions to cover various tax scenarios, including simple tax returns, more complex returns and self-employed returns. TurboTax's features include mobile access, live customer support and a library of tax tools.

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TurboTax vs. TaxSlayer: Products

TurboTax offers three versions of its online tax software. The TurboTax Free Edition is for simple tax returns (Disclaimer: ~37% of taxpayers qualify for TurboTax Free Edition. Form 1040 + limited credits only). Among other limitations, this version doesn't allow you to report unemployment income or itemize deductions.

If you'd like to receive expert advice on your return—or even have an expert do your taxes for you—TurboTax Live is an add-on live support option available at an additional fee. Costs for the paid services vary for federal returns based on the package and live assistance option you choose. Note that state returns come with an extra fee for this, too.

Use code SAVE20 at checkout for discount**

^{**20% off your federal tax return. Offer is valid on federal tax returns e-filed by April 15, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Only valid for new or first time TaxSlayer users only. Promotion code must be entered at checkout. Offer is not applicable to state tax returns or additional products. Offer is valid for one-time use only and cannot be combined with any other coupons, promotions, discounts, or offers. Offer is nontransferable, cannot be sold or otherwise bartered, and is not applicable to previous purchases or returns.}

^{1Simply Free includes one free federal return. Simply Free may also include a free state return at certain times during the tax season, or may be free depending on any applicable coupons, discounts, or promotions. Simply Free is only available for those with a basic 1040. To qualify you must meet other eligibility requirements; offer may change or end at any time without notice. Less than the majority of U.S. taxpayers may qualify.}

TaxSlayer has several software packages, including a free federal version for basic 1040 tax returns. TaxSlayer offers free federal returns for active military members but charges a fee for state returns for the military.

TurboTax vs. TaxSlayer: Features

TurboTax offers most of the features you need to do your own taxes, including:

• Mobile app: The TurboTax mobile app is available for iOS and Android. 
• Audit support: All TurboTax returns come with audit support from trained tax professionals. 
• Self-employed tax center: TurboTax features a special library of articles for self-employed individuals.
• Unemployment center: There's a special support section for unemployment tax help. 
• Tools: TurboTax provides calculators, help videos, checklists and expense estimators to help you file your taxes.

TaxSlayer also comes with several tools to help you prepare and file federal and state income taxes, including:

• Mobile app: The TaxSlayer mobile app allows you to file taxes from nearly anywhere. The app is available for iOS and Android. 
• Audit assistance: TaxSlayer offers a variety of help, from more basic audit inquiry support, to comprehensive audit defense, depending on the tier you select.
• Tools: Customers can access help articles, a support database, a tax refund tracker and refund calculators.

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TurboTax vs. TaxSlayer: Guarantees

Along with a comprehensive review of your return before it's filed, TurboTax backs its product with these guarantees:

• Maximum Refund Guarantee: If you get a bigger refund or smaller tax due from another tax preparation method, TurboTax will refund what you spent to use its services, with a cap at $30 for the Free Edition.
• 100% Accurate Calculations Guarantee: TurboTax will pay any IRS penalties for incorrect calculations on returns. 
• Audit Support Guarantee: You can get free guidance from a tax professional if you are audited.
• Expert Approved Guarantee: TurboTax will pay any IRS penalties due to advice received from a TurboTax professional. 
• Full-Service Guarantee: Tax experts will only sign off on your return after they know it's 100% accurate and you're getting the best outcome possible.

TaxSlayer also stands by its products, offering two specific service guarantees to its customers:

• Maximum Refund Guarantee: TaxSlayer will refund your software purchase if you receive a larger federal refund or pay less tax using a competitor's software. 
• 100% Accuracy Guarantee: TaxSlayer guarantees its software will calculate with 100% accuracy and will reimburse you for any federal or state penalties incurred and interest charges due to calculation mistakes on its part.

TurboTax vs. TaxSlayer: Refund Options

TurboTax customers can receive their tax refund in several ways:

• Direct deposit to a linked bank account
• Deposit to a Credit Karma Money™ Spend account 
• Loaded onto an existing prepaid card 
• Paper check by mail from the IRS

TurboTax also allows customers to check the status of their e-file returns and refund online.

TaxSlayer gives its customers these options for receiving tax refunds:

• Direct deposit to a linked bank account
• A TaxSlayer Visa® debit card
• Paper check by mail from the IRS
• Refund transfer, which is also a direct deposit, but you choose to have your software fees deducted from your return with this option.

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TurboTax vs. TaxSlayer: Customer Support

TurboTax offers premium live support through TurboTax Live for an extra fee. The software company also provides other ways to receive support while preparing and filing your taxes. Basic online support is available through a TurboTax specialist. The company also provides articles, a knowledge base, and phone support to answer tax and software questions.

TaxSlayer provides unlimited email and phone support with all of its tax preparation packages. Premium and Self-Employed customers receive priority support with less waiting, as well as one-on-one assistance with tax issues. As mentioned, TaxSlayer also provides customers with ample support through articles, an online knowledge base, calculators and other tools.

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The 6 Secrets to Evaluating a Tax Preparation Service

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Savings Accounts for Your Tax Refund

Check out our picks for the best high-yield savings accounts. One of these could be the perfect spot to park your refund—or a good place to set aside funds for your next tax bill.

Recommended High-Yield Savings Accounts

Bank Account	APY	Features	Learn More
BrioDirect High-Yield Savings Account Open Account	4.85% More Info *Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is variable and is accurate as of 11/15/2024. Rate is subject to certain terms and conditions. You must deposit at least $5,000 to open your account and maintain $25 to earn the disclosed APY. Rate and APY may change at any time. Fees may reduce earnings.	$5,000 min. deposit No monthly fee	Open Account
UFB Direct Portfolio Savings Account Open Account	4.31% More Info UFB Direct breaks balances into five tiers, but, currently, there is only one interest rate.	No minimum deposit No monthly fee	Open Account
SoFi Checking and Savings Open Account Member FDIC Member FDIC	0.50% - 4.20% More Info SoFi members with Direct Deposit or $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 4.20% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. Members without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Only SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 10/31/2024. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet	No minimum deposit No monthly fee	Open Account
CIT Bank Platinum Savings Account Open Account	4.55% More Info Earn 4.55% APY on balances over $5,000. Balances of less than $5,000 earn 0.25% APY. Annual Percentage Yield is accurate as of November 13, 2024. Interest rates for the Platinum Savings account are variable and subject to change at any time without notice.	$100 minimum deposit No monthly fee	Open Account

Is TurboTax or TaxSlayer Better for Your Online Tax Return?

TaxSlayer is a better option if you are looking to save money on tax preparation, have a simple 1040 tax return or are adept at doing your own taxes. The software may not be as intuitive to use as other programs, so it may not be the best option for beginning tax DIYers. The Premium version gives you access to more support but may not provide enough help for more complex tax situations.

TurboTax is one of the most popular online tax software programs on the market each year. Its TurboTax Free Edition version doesn't necessarily include everything you might need, and is only available for simple tax filers (disclaimer: ~37% of taxpayers qualify for TurboTax Free Edition. Form 1040 + limited credits only), but upgraded versions cover a gamut of tax scenarios and provide basic live support to get your taxes filed quickly and accurately.

Determine your needs and compare features, costs, and support options to find the right DIY tax software.