Which one is right for you?

TaxSlayer has emerged as a powerful platform in the do-it-yourself tax preparation space. In fact, we called it one of the best tax software on the market, since its least expensive version supports all tax forms. This is huge for scammers and business owners with multiple forms and complex returns.

However, this may not be the best tax software option for you. In this case, you may look for TaxSlayer alternatives.

We break down our picks for the best TaxSlayer alternatives you can use to prepare your taxes this year.

* TurboTax Free Edition. ~37% of taxpayers qualify. Returns Simple Form 1040 only (no schedules, except for EITC, CTC, Student Loan Interest, and Schedule 1-A)

**Approximately 52% of applicants qualify for the free version of H&R Block Online. Minor tax situations only (Form 1040 and no schedules except for the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Student Loan Interest, and Retirement Plan Distributions).

In our recent review of TaxSlayer, we identified a number of benefits to using it in your tax return software, including free filing if you claim the student benefit as a deduction. Here’s a quick review of TaxSlayer’s most notable features:

• Pricing: $0 (includes state), $22.99, $42.99, and $52.99. For the three federally paid return options, you can also file a state return for $39.99.
• Tax audit options, assistance for direct tax professionals, and the self-employed
• Online filing is available
• Easy to use

TaxSlayer Alternatives

Most people will find that TaxSlayer meets their needs. Those with more complex tax returns may find they need more options than TaxSlayer offers. In these cases, specialized tax software that can meet the unique needs of these filers is likely the best option. Here are some options.

TurboTax offers a wide variety of options but is more expensive compared to other tax filing software. Like most tax filing software, it has multiple plans whose price increases as your tax needs increase or become more complex. Each high-cost plan includes everything in the low-cost plans. Except for the free version, government registration will cost more. You do not have to pay for any plan until you file.

TurboTax editions have the following price ranges for federal returns:

• DIY: $0* to $99
• Expert help: $39 to $159
• Complete expert service: Starting at $89 (final price may be much higher depending on your actual tax situation and the forms used or included with your return).

In addition to the federal filing fee, TurboTax charges up to $49 for each state tax return you file. If you file a free federal return with TurboTax, you’re entitled to file a free state return* as well.

If you are using the TurboTax DIY version, you will answer a series of questions when you complete the TurboTax online guided filing process. But the DIY version does not provide access to live tax experts, a feature available in the Live Assisted version.

Those who don’t have time to file their own returns can use TurboTax’s Live Full Service version. With Live Full Service, you can share your tax forms with TurboTax, and have one of its tax experts file for you.

* TurboTax Free Edition. ~37% of taxpayers qualify. Returns Simple Form 1040 only (no schedules, except for EITC, CTC, Student Loan Interest, and Schedule 1-A)

Get started with TurboTax here >>

Staying on topic, H&R Block also offers four plans for its online filing platform, one of which is free. The H&R Block platform has a great-looking and easy-to-use interface.

The four versions are as follows:

• free: This version supports basic tax positions. Both state and federal revenues are free
• Deluxe: For $60, you can report independent income and HSA contributions, access live phone and chat support, and store tax documents for six years.
• beloved: For $100, you can report investment income through Schedule D, claim rental income and deductions through Schedule E, and report cryptocurrency sales.
• self employed: For $125, you can claim small business expenses and report asset impairment.

For paid versions of H&R Block, state returns cost $49 each in addition to the federal returns fees mentioned above.

TaxSlayer again has much better rates than H&R Block Online, but H&R Block has some of the strongest help options of any tax software platform. Between online help, phone support, and a network of offices, if you need help with your taxes, you can easily find it.

Get started with H&R Block here >>

FreeTaxUSA is a popular alternative because it offers affordable rates for its software. It is on par with TaxSlayer for ease of use. The platform is free to file a federal return and costs $15.99 for each state return.

With these low prices, FreeTaxUSA is much less expensive than TaxSlayer for those who feel comfortable using online tax preparation platforms independently and do not require additional tax or technical advice.

But although its base price structure is very attractive, FreeTaxUSA charges for other features. Customers need to pay $7.99 for live chat support; $44.99 for personal tax advice; and $19.99 for audit and defense assistance. If you need all of these services, you’ll save even more money by using the premium version of TaxSlayer, which includes them in its base price of $22.95.

Get started with FreeTaxUSA here >>

Cash App Taxes

Cash App Taxes is a popular alternative to TaxSlayer specifically because it is the only tax software option that offers truly free state and federal tax filing.

However, cash app taxes have some drawbacks. For example, it does not allow multiple state taxes, nor does it support foreign-earned income. There may be other tax situations you don’t support as well.

As a result, TaxSlayer remains a competitive option. But if you have a simple tax return (like a W2 and maybe a 1099 for interest), Cash App Taxes may be a good option.

Get started with Cash App Taxes here >>

If your filing needs are simple — for example, you’re gainfully employed and don’t have any investments — there are plenty of free tax filing platforms that allow you to file your federal and state tax returns at no cost. In these circumstances, you might also choose a reputable, experienced company, such as H&R Block.

For more complex tax situations, such as itemizing deductions or reporting independent and investment income, there are some low-cost or even free options. But these platforms may not provide adequate technical support or tax advice.

TaxSlayer is a good middle option. It offers a lot of tax information and technical assistance at an affordable price.