FreeTaxUSA vs TaxSlayer
FreeTaxUSA
freetaxusa.comTaxSlayer
taxslayer.comSide by side
| Figure | FreeTaxUSA | TaxSlayer |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 10 | 8 |
| Spec score · Tax Calculators | 8.9 (#1) | 8.2 (#5) |
| Spec score · Tax Software | 9.1 (#7) | 9.0 (#9) |
| Spec score · Personal Tax Software | 9.0 (#9) | 9.0 (#11) |
| Spec score · Tax Preparation Software | 8.9 (#4) | 8.5 (#12) |
| Audit support | Yes | Yes |
| Founded | 2001 | 1965 |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Headquarters | Provo, Utah, United States | Augusta, Georgia, United States |
| Investment income | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile access | FreeTaxUSA says its website is optimized for filing on a phone and requires no app. | web_and_mobile |
| Rental income | Yes | Yes |
| Security | FreeTaxUSA says all data is encrypted, its physical servers have strict access controls and 24/7 monitoring, and it meets or exceeds IRS security requirements. | TaxSlayer lists AES-256 encryption for data in transit and at rest, multi-layer authentication, and a dedicated cybersecurity team. |
| Self-employment support | Yes | Yes |
| State filing | paid_add_on | paid_add_on |
| Support | Basic support is available by email and in-app support center, and the company says replies typically arrive within half an hour. | TaxSlayer offers year-round phone and email support for all package options; chat is available to Premium and Self-Employed users during operating hours. |
| Tax situations | The service supports income and deductions for investments, rental property, self-employment, education, home ownership, and dependents. | Its paid products support all IRS forms, credits, and deductions supported by the software, though business and other specialized situations may not be included. |
Plans
FreeTaxUSA
- Federal tax returnPriced on request
- State tax returnPriced on request
- Deluxe SupportPriced on request
- Pro SupportPriced on request
- Audit DefensePriced on request
- Federal tax returnFree
- Deluxe Support$7.99, paid once
- State tax return$15.99, paid once
- Audit Defense$19.99, paid once
- Pro Support$64.99, paid once
TaxSlayer
- Simply FreeFree
- ClassicPriced on request
- PremiumPriced on request
- Self-EmployedPriced on request
- Simply FreeFree
- Classic$44.99, paid once
- Premium$64.99, paid once
- Self-Employed$74.99, paid once
In their own words
FreeTaxUSA
FreeTaxUSA is an online service for preparing and e-filing federal and state tax returns. Federal filing is free for all tax situations, with no income limits or forced upgrades; state filing is a paid add-on. It supports income and deductions involving investments, rental property, self-employment, education, home ownership, and dependents, and says it covers over 350 credits and deductions. Users can import W-2s and 1099s or upload a prior-return PDF from TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, TaxSlayer, Cash App, or OLT. Filing tools include IRS e-file, direct deposit, printable returns, prior-year information import, and free tax extension filing. The service is available on web and mobile devices. FreeTaxUSA says data is encrypted, its physical servers have strict access controls and 24/7 monitoring, and it does not sell tax return information. Basic help is offered by email and an in-app support center, with typical replies within half an hour. It does not support foreign employment income on Form 2555, nonresident alien returns, or filings by customers or preparers living outside the United States.
TaxSlayer
TaxSlayer provides forms, calculations, and resources for preparing and electronically filing federal and state tax returns. Its listed capabilities include self-employment, investment, and rental income, plus audit support. Paid products support the IRS forms, credits, and deductions covered by the software, though business and other specialized situations may not be included. Simply Free is limited to eligible taxpayers, with eligibility based on age, income, credits, and deductions; it includes one federal return and one state return and costs nothing. Users can prepare and file federal and state taxes through the mobile app on a smartphone or tablet, as well as on the web. W-2 and 1099 import is listed, and support instructions describe uploading a PDF copy of a W-2. TaxSlayer lists AES-256 encryption for data in transit and at rest, multi-layer authentication, and a dedicated cybersecurity team. Phone and email support is offered year-round for all packages.