TaxSlayer Tax Software Review, 2022

TaxSlayer has some easy-to-use features which make this a great entry-level tax software to use.  The software includes a knowledge base to explain each step of the tax return preparation process, associated definitions, and resources to answer your questions should they arise.

• Appears as one of the best budget deals available on the market
• Provides clean user interface and support options comparable to other providers costing twice as much
• Comes with less powerful/robust tax filing support than offered by some competitors

TaxSlayer Review

If you have little experience preparing your tax return or can consider yourself a tax return veteran, TaxSlayer is a great option for you to consider.  The service is a bargain compared with competitors though it does offer less-robust support.  This, however, lowers the price and does not cost anything near the elite tax return software on the market.  The software is best suited towards those with simple returns or experienced users who know their way around their tax returns.

TaxSlayer Overview

This TaxSlayer tax software review will go over the most important things you need to know if you’re considering this product. TaxSlayer.com began as a company offering traditional tax preparation and filing services in 1998.  Since its founding, the company has grown to offer tax returns and related services to millions of individuals annually each tax filing season. The service aims to give customers great tax software and technical support during tax season each year.  It does so by combining affordability, an easy-to-use interface and support options – all at half the price of some competitors.   Users receive free technical support through email and telephone while Premium and Self-Employed software version users may submit questions directly to tax professionals.

 

TaxSlayer Pros –

• Affordable pricing compared to peers. TaxSlayer has better pricing options available than most other programs addressed during this tax software review.  The software is easy to use and offers adequate functionality for the price you pay. The best value comes for single and married filers with no dependents.  These individuals can file Form 1040 with limited deductions and credits and pay nothing.
• Offers free tax return knowledge base.  As you proceed through your tax return, the program offers explanatory knowledge base to help you understand the part of your return being addressed.  While more high-level in nature, they can be useful, easily understood explanations to provide direction on what each section of the tax return needs.
• Technical phone support available.  If you have a technical question arise during your tax return preparation, you have access to phone support to answer your technical questions.  If you have a tax-specific question, you must pay extra to speak with a tax professional to understand your problem and walk you through what you must do.
• Active-duty military members get TaxSlayer Classic for free. While they might get TaxSlayer Classic for free ($17 value), they must still pay for their state return ($29 per state).  Under TaxSlayer Military, all tax situations and forms come as part of the service offering.

TaxSlayer Cons –

• Audit assistance available only with the most expensive options. The software offers audit assistance, not defense, in the event you receive an IRS letter which proceeds to an audit.  However, these features only come standard in the Premium version of the software.
• Access to a tax professional only provided with Premium option. Despite TaxSlayer claiming they provide their customers with the best support, that support comes with a price tag.  However, this remains true of all the tax software programs in the market.

Pay with Your Refund

TaxSlayer offers a useful feature which can reduce out-of-pocket expenses.  Instead of paying upfront for the software, you have the ability to pay with your tax refund.  This makes for more financial flexibility because it avoids expenses hitting your credit or debit card now.

Refund Advance

TaxSlayer offers a TaxSlayer Prepaid Visa Card, allowing you to apply your tax refund directly to the card once you e-file.  The service offers two loan amounts; $500 and $1,000, depending on your needs. The loans can hit the Prepaid Debit Card in as little as 24 hours after applying.   Specifically, their website claims you pay no upfront fees nor interest on the refund advance loan product.  To secure this loan (and reduce TaxSlayer’s risk for offering this product), TaxSlayer deducts the tax preparation and refund transfer service fees from any federal tax refund amount issued by the IRS. TaxSlayer boasts you may apply for its Refund Advance loan and receive money without ever leaving home.  

Offers to Buy U.S. Savings Bonds with Your Refund

Another option for your tax refund includes the ability to purchase U.S. Savings Bonds through TaxSlayer.  Specifically, the available options for your refund include: applying for a Refund Advance Loan on a Prepaid Visa Card, direct depositing your refund into your bank account, receiving a check, or purchasing U.S. Savings Bonds in your name.

Import Previous Year’s Refund

If this is your second consecutive year using TaxSlayer to prepare your refund, you can import your tax return from the prior year and have many of your fields automatically populate.  This saves you time and hassle. The site says you are able to upload a tax return from another tax service when attempting to import last year’s tax return information.

Assistance with IRS Notices for 1 Year

TaxSlayer says they will work with you to resolve IRS inquiries regarding your federal and state return for up to one year after the IRS accepts your e-file.  Further, they guarantee 100% accurate calculations when preparing your return.

How TaxSlayer Compares

The Bottom Line

The program doesn’t come with many fancy features, but this could be what makes it so easy to use.  The product does not have the brand name recognition of TurboTax and H&R Block but does provide an attractive price for the software you receive.  If you don’t need support to fill out your return, TaxSlayer offers an affordable tax software platform for preparing your return. The clean user interface and low cost make it one of the best deals on the tax software market this year. Simply put, despite being less robust than its competitors, it gets the job done at an affordable price. This product is recommended for simple tax returns or people who need advanced tax software at a lower cost.

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About the Site Author and Blog

In 2018, I was winding down a stint in investor relations and found myself newly equipped with a CPA, added insight on how investors behave in markets, and a load of free time.  My job routinely required extended work hours, complex assignments, and tight deadlines.  Seeking to maintain my momentum, I wanted to chase something ambitious. I chose to start this financial independence blog as my next step, recognizing both the challenge and opportunity. I launched the site with encouragement from my wife as a means to layout our financial independence journey and connect with and help others who share the same goal.

Disclaimer

I have not been compensated by any of the companies listed in this post at the time of this writing.  Any recommendations made by me are my own.  Should you choose to act on them, please see my the disclaimer on my About WealthUp page.