TaxSlayer

What TaxSlayer does

TaxSlayer provides the forms, calculations and other tools needed to prepare and electronically file federal and state returns. Its paid offerings support self-employment, investment and rental income, along with the IRS forms, credits and deductions available in the software.

TaxSlayer positions Self-Employed for contractors, 1099 filers, side hustlers and other people earning self-employed income. Some business and specialized circumstances may fall outside its coverage.

Fees and plans

Qualifying users pay nothing for a federal return through Simply Free. The plan covers Form 1040, limited credits and one state return; further state returns cost $47.99 each. Qualification is based on factors including age, income, credits and deductions.

Classic charges $44.99 once for each federal return, with state filing billed separately. It covers the major forms, all filing statuses and income types, and can import W-2 and 1099 information.

Premium is a one-time $64.99 federal-return fee, plus any state charge. Its features include priority phone and email support, live chat and Ask a Tax Pro. Self-Employed is $74.99 per federal return before the separate state fee, adding 1099 and Schedule C guidance, access to tax professionals with self-employed expertise and quarterly estimated-payment reminders.

The figures shown are guide prices from TaxSlayer; the final amount is set at print or e-file and can change without notice.

Where it runs

TaxSlayer is available on Android, iPhone and the web. Its mobile application lets people prepare and file federal and state returns using a phone or tablet.

TaxSlayer's listing identifies W-2 and 1099 import, and its support guidance says a user can upload a W-2 as a PDF.

Protection and rules, as TaxSlayer publishes them

TaxSlayer says it uses AES-256 to encrypt data both while it moves and while it is stored, with multi-layer authentication and a dedicated cybersecurity team.

TaxSlayer calls its software IRS-approved and says submitted returns are transmitted electronically to the IRS for processing. These are the provider's statements.

Strengths

A taxpayer who meets the stated requirements can file a federal return for free, with one state return also covered.

For supported cases, paid plans accommodate self-employment, investment and rental income. Bringing in W-2 and 1099 details can lessen typing.

Phone and email assistance remains available year-round across all packages. Premium and Self-Employed also provide chat during operating hours, and TaxSlayer lists audit support.

Catches to check

State filing is an extra charge with Classic, Premium and Self-Employed. Simply Free covers one state return, then charges $47.99 for each additional state.

Simply Free is available only to taxpayers who meet its requirements. Those requirements account for age, income, credits and deductions, and the plan is limited to Form 1040 and certain credits.

Prices shown may shift by the time you print or e-file. Some business and specialized circumstances may not be covered, so check the applicable forms and situations before filing.

Who may want another option

People whose business or specialized returns are outside TaxSlayer's supported forms may need a different option.

Verdict

TaxSlayer serves taxpayers who want browser- or mobile-based federal and state filing, including a no-cost federal route for those who qualify. Its paid packages extend form coverage and provide features for self-employed income, while every package offers phone and email assistance.

It could be less suitable for returns that exceed the software's supported forms or for anyone expecting state filing in every package. The final price is set during print or e-file and is not guaranteed by the guide figures.

Questions