HowardSoft Tax Preparer vs TaxSlayer
HowardSoft Tax Preparer
howardsoft.comTaxSlayer
taxslayer.comSide by side
| Figure | HowardSoft Tax Preparer | TaxSlayer |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $19.08/mo | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 6 | 8 |
| Spec score · Tax Software | 7.5 (#106) | 9.0 (#9) |
| Spec score · Personal Tax Software | 7.5 (#94) | 9.0 (#11) |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Headquarters | Camas, Washington, United States | Augusta, Georgia, United States |
| Investment income | Yes | Yes |
| Purpose | Tax Preparer is tax preparation software for professional preparers and individuals with complex returns. | TaxSlayer provides forms, calculations, and resources to prepare and electronically file federal and state tax returns. |
| Rental income | Yes | Yes |
| Self-employment support | Yes | Yes |
| State filing | paid_add_on | paid_add_on |
| Support | HowardSoft lists telephone support at 1-858-454-0121 and email [email protected]. | TaxSlayer offers year-round phone and email support for all package options; chat is available to Premium and Self-Employed users during operating hours. |
Plans
HowardSoft Tax Preparer
- Economy Level$229 a year
- Standard Level$329 a year
- Premium Level$469 a year
- Tax Preparer 1040 Economy Level$229 a year
- Tax Preparer 1040 Standard Level$329 a year
- Tax Preparer 1040 Premium Level$469 a year
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
HowardSoft Tax Preparer
HowardSoft Tax Preparer has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
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.