TaxSlayer: File your taxes
Overview
TaxSlayer is a major player in the consumer tax preparation software market. It focuses on providing a cost-effective, self-guided platform that helps users prepare, calculate, and e-file their federal and state income tax returns. While competitors often charge premiums for complicated filing scenarios, TaxSlayer maintains low, flat-rate pricing. This makes it a popular option for sole proprietors, gig workers, and individuals with complex investment deductions who want to avoid high software costs.
The application is built on a calculations engine backed by a $100\%$ accuracy guarantee. If mathematical errors in the software lead to IRS interest or penalties, TaxSlayer reimburses the user for the corresponding purchase price. The platform also includes a maximum refund guarantee, which pays back the purchase fee if another service calculates a larger federal refund under identical filing parameters. Users can ask a tax pro and use optional Audit Defense.
For basic W-2 filers with simple standard deductions, the platform offers the "Simply Free" tier, which includes $0 federal and $0 state filing options. To streamline the data entry process, the app allows users to upload previous-year tax PDFs from competing platforms. It then automatically parses this historical data and populates up to 80 fields. The app also supports mobile document scanning, allowing users to take photos of W-2 forms and Form 1099s to populate their tax reports automatically.
However, the mobile app version can suffer from usability issues. While the web browser portal runs smoothly, the mobile application can be unstable. It is known for aggressive security timeouts and authentication checks that require users to pass multiple CAPTCHAs. Furthermore, error-correction prompts are not deep-linked. If the calculations engine flags a tax discrepancy, selecting the error does not navigate the user to the faulty field. Instead, it returns them to the beginning of the section, requiring manual navigation.
Pros & Cons
Affordable Paid Packages: Offers competitive pricing for self-employed and investor packages.
Simply Free Tier: Eligible basic tax situations can file both federal and state returns for zero cost.
Automated Data Entry: Uses OCR technology to extract data from uploaded W-2s and prior returns.
Dual Guarantees: Backed by a 100% accuracy and maximum refund policy.
Refund Fee Deduction: Users can deduct the cost of the software directly from their federal refund.
Comprehensive Customer Support: Every tier includes free, unlimited phone and email support.
- ✕
Aggressive Session Timeouts: The app's security protocols can trigger abrupt logouts when users try to navigate back or rotate their screen.
- ✕
Inefficient Error Correction: Selecting a flagged error takes the user to the start of the section rather than the specific field.
- ✕
Double Verification Friction: Login screens require users to complete multiple human-verification prompts on both password and username entries.
- ✕
Hidden Fee Triggers: The free tier can automatically upgrade users to paid plans for minor tax events, such as claiming simple interest deductions.
Download
Get it on Google Play 
Get it on App Store FAQs
What qualifications are needed for TaxSlayer's Simply Free plan?
The Simply Free plan is designed for basic W-2 income with the standard deduction. It supports simple tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and child tax credits, but excludes schedules for investments, business, or rental income.
Can the software fees be paid directly from the tax refund?
Yes, TaxSlayer allows users to deduct product and filing costs directly from their calculated federal refund.
Is audit defense available through TaxSlayer?
Yes, users can purchase optional Audit Defense packages during checkout to secure professional representation in the event of an IRS audit.
Can returns be worked on across multiple devices?
Yes, the platform syncs user progress across mobile devices and the web portal, allowing users to transition between phones, tablets, and computers.
How does the accuracy guarantee function?
If a calculation error in the TaxSlayer software results in IRS penalties, the company will refund the purchase price paid for the software.
Hot Reviews
Users appreciate the platform's affordable paid tiers, which make filing self-employed and investment income much cheaper than with larger competitors.
Many users criticize the mobile app's security timeouts, noting that rotating the screen or tapping the back button instantly logs them out and requires re-verification.
Reviews highlight issues with the error checker, noting that clicking "Fix Now" sends users back to the beginning of a section instead of pointing out the exact input error.