TaxSlayer vs TurboTax
TaxSlayer and TurboTax are both popular options in this category. After extensive testing, TurboTax leads with a 9.4/10 rating, though the best choice depends on your specific needs.
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Quick Answer
TurboTax beats TaxSlayer for most users. It scores 9.4/10 vs 8.2/10 and most user-friendly interface. Choose TaxSlayer if you need competitive pricing.
TaxSlayer
Fast, affordable tax filing for all situations
Starting from
$22.95
TurboTax
Winner#1 tax software with expert guidance included
Starting from
$69
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| Starting Price | $22.95 | $69 |
| User Reviews | ||
| Filing Options | ||
| Free Filing | Simple W-2 only | Simple returns only |
| State Returns | $39.95 each | $39-59 each |
| W-2 Import | ||
| Prior Year Import | ||
| Tax Types | ||
| Self-Employment | ||
| Investments | ||
| Rental Income | ||
| Support | ||
| Audit Support | ||
| Live Expert Help | ||
| Mobile App | ||
Pros & Cons Breakdown
TaxSlayer
- Competitive pricing
- Fast filing process
- Good self-employment support
- Phone support available
- Military discount
- IRS-authorized e-file
- Free tier very limited
- Interface could be better
- Less name recognition
TurboTax
- Most user-friendly interface
- Excellent step-by-step guidance
- TurboTax Live expert help available
- Maximum refund guarantee
- Imports W-2s automatically
- Audit support included
- Easy prior year import
- Most expensive option
- Features locked behind tiers
- Upsells can be aggressive
Key Difference
The core difference lies in approach: TaxSlayer focuses on competitive pricing, while TurboTax emphasizes most user-friendly interface. Both philosophies have merit depending on your priorities.
Which Should You Choose?
TaxSlayer
Choose TaxSlayer if you prioritize competitive pricing, want to start with a free tier, or value fast filing process.
TurboTax
Choose TurboTax if you prioritize most user-friendly interface, want to start with a free tier, or value excellent step-by-step guidance.
Our Verdict
After thorough testing, TurboTax is our winner with a rating of 9.4/10 compared to TaxSlayer's 8.2/10. TurboTax stands out for its most user-friendly interface and excellent step-by-step guidance. TurboTax also offers better value at its price point. However, TaxSlayer remains an excellent choice if competitive pricing is your priority. There's no universally "wrong" choice here - both are quality options that serve their target audiences well.
Thinking of Switching?
Consider the migration effort before switching. Most services offer data export, but rebuilding workflows and configurations takes time. Evaluate whether the benefits outweigh the switching costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TaxSlayer better than TurboTax?
TurboTax scores higher in our testing (9.4/10 vs 8.2/10). TurboTax excels at most user-friendly interface, while TaxSlayer is better for competitive pricing.
Which is cheaper, TaxSlayer or TurboTax?
TurboTax is more affordable at $0.00/mo vs $0.00/mo. TurboTax offers NaN% savings.
TaxSlayer vs TurboTax: which should I choose?
Choose TaxSlayer if you prioritize competitive pricing. Choose TurboTax if you need most user-friendly interface. Both are solid tax software options.
What's the main difference between TaxSlayer and TurboTax?
The main difference is TaxSlayer offers fast, affordable tax filing for all situations, while TurboTax focuses on #1 tax software with expert guidance included.