TaxSlayer vs TurboTax

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.

TurboTax is tax preparation software available online, on mobile, and as desktop software. It supports returns involving self-employment, investment income, and rental income, with state filing available as a paid add-on. Users can import, upload, or photograph documents, including information from participating employers and financial institutions; the maker says auto-imports are available from more than one million such organizations. Customers can receive unlimited expert advice or have an expert prepare a return from start to finish. Free filing is limited to simple Form 1040 returns, and the listed estimate is that about 37% of taxpayers qualify. The free tier excludes itemized deductions, business income, stock sales, rental income, and other schedules. Deluxe searches more than 350 deductions and credits, while Premium lists more than 450. Do It Yourself Deluxe is listed at $79, paid once for federal filing, with state additional. TurboTax says its accuracy guarantee covers IRS or state penalties and interest caused by a calculation error, subject to terms.