TaxSlayer review

TaxSlayer's pitch is that upgrades buy extra support rather than extra forms, and its product pages back that up. Classic, at $19.99 for the federal return, includes all major IRS forms, credits and deductions, from Schedule C self-employment to capital gains, rental income, HSA contributions and itemized deductions. It also compares the standard and itemized deduction for you. Simply Free files a federal and one state return at no charge, but only for simple situations. Premium, at $39.99, adds priority phone and email support, live chat for technical questions and access to IRS-certified professionals through Ask a Tax Pro. You can upload last year's return to start faster and import eligible W-2s and 1099s. State returns cost extra on the paid tiers, so check the state fee at checkout. TaxSlayer suits people with a moderately complex return who want a real person on the phone without paying the major brands' prices.

Who it is for

Filers with investments, rentals or side income who want phone support at a low price.

Price

Simply Free $0 with state for simple returns; Classic $19.99 federal, state additional.

$19.99 State additional
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 8, 2026.

Key features

• Simply Free covers a federal and one state return for simple tax situations
• Classic includes all major IRS forms, credits and deductions with no restrictions
• Prior year return upload plus W-2 and 1099 import
• U.S.-based phone and email support on Classic
• Premium at $39.99 adds skip-the-line support, live chat and Ask a Tax Pro

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Classic has no form or schedule limits
• Strength: Phone support even on the low priced tier
• Strength: Upgrades add support, not forms
• Weakness: State returns cost extra on Classic and Premium
• Weakness: Simply Free only fits simple returns
• Weakness: Live chat and tax pro questions need Premium

Key facts

• Free tier: Simply Free, federal and one state for simple returns
• Classic: $19.99 federal, state additional
• Premium: $39.99 federal, state additional
• Support: U.S.-based phone and email

Where it ranks

TaxSlayer is No. 3 in our Best Tax Software verdict.