TaxSlayer is an online tax planning service that is easy to use and doesn’t cost too much. They have 4 choices that are suited for their multiple filters from single, to self-employed and from students to complex tax problems.
Read more below to see more details about TaxSlayer and their current offers and deals.
TaxSlayer has partnered with multiple cash back shopping services such as Rakuten. Make sure to activate it to save some money.
There are offers from other tax services such as: TurboTax, H&R Block, and TaxAct.
TaxSlayer Filing Options
With TaxSlayer, they are offering 4 online filing choices. You can use these options to simply file on your laptop,tablet, or smartphone. These filing options will be:
Simple Free will allow you to file for both a federal and state tax return for free. However, this small priced choice will only work on simple returns (form 1040EZ) this will include people that:
- Are single or married with no dependents
- Have income reported only on W-2 forms
If not, then you need to upgrade to a different filing choice if you want to get more deductions or credits.
Simply Free has features such as:
- Step-by-step instruction guide
- PDF import
- Real-time tax refund calculator
- TaxSlayer Deduction Finder
- Free email and phone support
*It will cost you $29 to one state return after your first one.
The most popular option is the Classic (Federal – $17*, State – $29). This plan is able to cover all major forms, deductions, and credits. TaxSlayer Classic is great for big range members that also includes having a dependent.
Classic has the same features as Simply Free and:
- 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 catered towards more complicated tax returns.
It has all the Classic Features and:
- Live chat support
- Ask a tax pro
- Priority support
- IRS audit assistance
If you want to file for Schedule C or have a 1099-MISC, then you will want the Self-Employed option (Federal – $47, State – $29). It will include: freelancers, contractors, small business owners and others who are self-employed filers.
This option has all the Premium features and:
- A personalized guide to self-employed taxes
- Access to a tax professional with self-employed expertise
Every plan will come with 2 guarantees such as: 100% accuracy on your return and max refund if possible.
If TaxSlayer has made a mistake, they will refund your filing charge and reimburse you for any federal or state penalty and interest charges.
TaxSlayer Return & Payment Options
Using TaxSlayer, they will allow you to pay preparation fees with a debit or credit card. You are also able to use your federal return to cover the price if you don’t want to pay for it out of your pocket. You can receive the refund deposited in your bank account not including the preparation fees.
If you want your return as fast as possible, then you should get a direct deposit in your checking or savings account. You will have the choice of getting a check in the mail which will take more time. TaxSlayer will even refund you advances as a $500 or $1,000 loan on a prepaid debit card.
TaxSlayer Competition
This is a service that many are able to pay for. However, it’s not really the best tax solution for everyone. Their competitors can be a little pricey, but they have more features to offer to make up for their higher charge.
| 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 the more pricey choice. They have great user-friendly services with interviews to fill out forms. TurboTax answer easy questions and TurboTax will immediately do the calculations and put the information in for you. There is also a 100% accuracy and max refund guarantee just like TaxSlayer.
TaxAct has a price that’s in the middle of TaxSlayer and TurboTax. They have an affordable service just like TaxSlayer. TaxAct is crystal clear with their guidance instructions and personalized financial assessments. If you want more content and a better straightforward program you want to go with TaxAct rather than TaxSlayer.
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Conclusion
TaxSlayer isn’t as popular as TurboTax. However, they do have a great service for a good price range. If you just have easy tax planning requirements, and if you want to save money then TaxSlayer is a great choice for you.
Are you filing for the first time and not confident about doing it youself? Then you should consider a different service that will be there for you every step of the way when you’re filing your taxes.
