TaxSlayer Review [2025]: How it Works, How Much it Costs, and Who it’s Right for

TaxSlayer has been around since 1965, and it packs a big punch with its convenient and affordable online tax filing programs. With a free plan and other tiered plans starting at just $22.95, TaxSlayer offers some of the lowest costs we've found on high-quality DIY tax software.

As with many other available online tax programs, TaxSlayer offers an easy-to-use interface and better tech support than most. Some nifty extras include online and phone support with tax professionals (for an added cost) and prompts that might help you take advantage of potential tax credits and deductions.

Let's dig into our TaxSlayer review to see if it makes sense for you.

TaxSlayer: The basics

TaxSlayer is a family-owned business based out of Augusta, Georgia. The company began in 1965 as an income tax preparation business under the name Rhodes-Murphy & Co. It has a Trustpilot rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, one of the highest we've ever seen for tax software.

The company offers cloud-based software that includes all the forms and resources you need to file your federal and state taxes online. It provides four tax filing tiers, starting with a free plan and going up to more specialized plans for those with specific filing needs. Many online tax prep platforms offer four or more different tiers.

Higher plan tiers provide access to more forms and deductions, as well as live support from tax professionals.

Besides the sheer volume of users on its site, the most notable thing about TaxSlayer is probably its competitive pricing. In addition to offering a basic free filing plan, this tax preparation software also offers three other tiers of affordable plans (which seem especially inexpensive compared to competitors like TurboTax). Curious about TaxSlayer and how much it costs? We'll dive into that next.

How much does TaxSlayer cost: Products and pricing

TaxSlayer offers a variety of solutions for nearly every tax need and type of income. Here's the breakdown of those plans and what they cost.

Note that, in addition to these plans, you can file free as a military member, regardless of complexity.

TaxSlayer Simply Free

As its name suggests, this plan is free to use and includes one federal return plus one state return. If you happened to move during the past year or worked in more than one state, filing an additional state return costs $39.95. Still, all state returns cost extra with some providers, like TaxAct.

Besides the free federal and state return, the TaxSlayer Simply Free version also includes unlimited phone and email support. This is tech support, not support from tax professionals. Because of the limited access to forms and credits with the free option, it's best for taxpayers with a very simple return, such as those filing a basic 1040. Additionally, your taxable income must be under $100,000, you cannot claim dependents, the Child Tax Credit, or Earned Income Tax Credit with this plan, and it only supports those filing as single or married filing jointly.

TaxSlayer Classic

Starting at just $22.95, the TaxSlayer Classic covers one federal tax return; state returns cost $39.95 each.

This plan supports all possible credits, deductions, and income types. The software will even help you find potential tax credits and deductions, although this plan is still entirely do-it-yourself. If your income comes from multiple places, or you need to file forms other than a basic 1040 form, this could be your cheapest option with TaxSlayer. However, you should be comfortable filing on your own without expert support if you choose this plan.

TaxSlayer Premium

If you want to pay a little extra for personalized support from tax experts, the TaxSlayer Premium plan might be a good option for you. Starting at $42.95 with an additional fee of $39.95 per state, this plan includes everything in Classic plus phone and online support from tax professionals, with no limits on how many questions you can ask. You'll also receive priority tech support, with the addition of a live chat feature for this.

If you can afford to pay a little extra for your tax returns this year, TaxSlayer Premium could be a worthy investment, especially if you're worried about tax mistakes or missing out on savings. This option also includes IRS Audit Assistance for up to three full years, which isn't offered on Simply Free and Classic.

TaxSlayer Self-Employed

This final tier, which offers many of the same benefits as the Premium plan, is designed for those with self-employment income, small business owners, and filers who freelance. For $52.95 for federal returns and $39.95 per state, this plan is specifically designed for the unique needs of filing a Schedule C and reporting 1099 income.

With helpful extras like year-round tax guidance and payment reminders and access to tax professionals with expertise in self-employment, this plan is perfect for anyone who doesn't earn W-2 income. We think it would help you find and take advantage of potential tax credits and deductions.

TaxSlayer 

Product	Cost	Best for...
TaxSlayer Simply Free	Free (includes one federal and state return; additional states are $39.95 each)	Simple tax situations (like those filing a 1040 form)
TaxSlayer Classic	$22.95 (includes one federal return; each state is $39.95 each)	Confident self-filers with any tax situation
TaxSlayer Premium	$42.95 (includes one federal return; each state is $39.95 each)	Any tax situation, with extra phone and online support from tax pros
TaxSlayer Self-Employed	$52.95 (includes one federal return; each state is $39.95 each)	Self-employed filers, freelancers, business owners, anyone filing a 1099 or Schedule C

How does TaxSlayer work?

Besides being one of the best tax software options on the market, this DIY online tax program is also incredibly easy to use. Its intuitive platform has strong tech support for everyone and paid tax expert support with its two higher plan tiers.

Every plan comes with a maximum refund guarantee and a 100% accuracy guarantee, which means it takes responsibility for its built-in calculations and protocols (including any changes in tax laws). However, the maximum refund only covers up to your cost to file with TaxSlayer. But should you run into any issues after you file due to errors caused by its program, the company could reimburse you for any penalties or interest charges.

The Premium and Self-Employed plans even include support if you need audit assistance or defense. This means the company will work to help you resolve any IRS inquiries. Under this add-on, you'll have access to IRS-certified tax professionals if you're audited within three years of filing your returns with TaxSlayer.

TaxSlayer pros and cons

TaxSlayer has quite a few pros and cons to consider. Here are some of the major ones.

Pros

• Low-cost plans compared to other providers
• Access to tax professionals during filing and afterward*
• IRS inquiry and audit assistance*
• Specialized support and plan for freelancers and business owners*

*Note: These features are only available with certain plans.

Cons

• Pricing does not include state forms for paid plans
• The free plan is meant for tax filers using a basic 1040 form

• Every plan has minor changes in its offerings from one year to the next; be sure to double-check that you're getting the best plan for your needs

How to contact TaxSlayer

You can contact TaxSlayer via phone, online chat, or email. For phone support, you can reach the TaxSlayer support team by calling 706-922-6741. For email support, you can fill out this online form and expect a response within 24 to 72 hours. The online chat feature is available 24/7 after signing into your account for some filers.

The company offers a mobile app for both iOS and Android devices.

FAQs

Bottom line

If you're looking to file your tax returns online, the good news is that you have many tax prep options. Although TaxSlayer is a convenient and affordable option to help simplify the filing process, it's by no means the only one.

Before choosing an online tax return program that's right for you, be sure to shop around and compare a few quotes. Make a list of your needs, and be sure they're met with whatever plan and company you choose. Filing taxes online has never been easier, but it still pays off to do your research and find the right company and plan for your needs.

If you're interested in learning how to manage your money better this tax season, check out our other resources on taxes.