TurboTax vs. TaxSlayer in 2026

With the new year starting, it’s just about time to file your federal tax return. But there’s no need to get stressed out. Tax filing services are making it easier than ever to file your taxes. You will, of course, need to choose between those filing services. Let’s compare two of the largest tax filers: TurboTax vs. TaxSlayer. If you prefer more of a hands-on approach to finance, a financial advisor can help you create a financial plan for your needs and goals.

A Quick Look at TurboTax

TurboTax developed its tax software in the mid-1980s. The company was soon purchased by Intuit, which has led to some of its popularity. Intuit also makes an accounting software called QuickBooks, which millions of companies use to handle their books. But TurboTax stands on its own. It offers a user-friendly design and straightforward, step-by-step guidance.

TurboTax has a free filing option that allows you to file your federal return and one state return at no cost. However, the free option only supports simple returns with form 1040. If you want to itemize deductions with Schedule A (or if you need to use any other forms), you need to upgrade to a paid plan.

TurboTax Filing Options

Filing Option	Costs	Features
TurboTax Online Edition	Federal: $0-$159 State: $0-$49	Best for simple returns using Form 1040; comes with useful features like easy import, error check, refund explanations, deductions for dependents. Three levels of service offered: Do It Yourself, Expert Assist and Expert Full Service.
TurboTax Deluxe (Desktop)	Federal: $70 State: $25	Best for homeowners and for maximizing deductions; comes with all previous features, plus charitable donations calculator
TurboTax Premier (Desktop)	Federal: $105 State: $25	Best for investors and rental property owners; comes with all previous features, plus focus on investment and rental property income, accurate stock reporting, refinancing deductions
TurboTax Home & Business (Desktop)	Federal: $120 State: $25	Best for self-employed, independent contractors, freelancers, consultants and small business owners; comes with all previous features, plus access to self-employment tax experts, maximizing business deductions

The Deluxe option from TurboTax is enough for most filers. It costs $70 for a federal filing. Self-employed individuals and small business owners may need to upgrade to the Home & Business version of TurboTax, which costs $120 for a federal return.

A Quick Look at TaxSlayer

TaxSlayer started in 1998 and it has achieved success largely because it provides tax filing software at an affordable price.

There are five electronic filing options from TaxSlayer. The Simply Free option allows you to file simple tax returns for free. Your first state return is also free. If you need to file another form, you will need to upgrade to at least the Classic option, which costs $22.99 for federal filing and $39.99 per state return. This option does not include much else in terms of features.

If you’re looking for more features, you can upgrade to the Premium filing option, which costs $42.99 for a federal return and $39.99 per state return. Most of TaxSlayer’s extra features, like audit support, are only available with the Premium option.

TaxSlayer Filing Options

Filing Option	Costs	Features
Simply Free	Federal: Free State: Free	Best for single and married filers with no dependents; can file 1040 with limited deductions and credits; free email and phone tech support
Classic	Federal: $22.99 State: $39.99	Best for filers with dependents; supports all major forms, deductions and credits; comes with all free features, plus W-2 import, prior year import
Premium	Federal: $42.99 State: $39.99	Supports all major forms; comes with all previous features, plus audit assistance, access to tax professionals, priority support
Self-Employed	Federal: $52.99 State: $39.99	Targeted at filers using Schedule C and 1099-MISC; comes with all previous features plus guide to taxes for the self-employed

TurboTax vs. TaxSlayer: Cost

When comparing the two services on cost, TaxSlayer may be more affordable for certain users. Both services offer free online filing options. However, TurboTax’s Do It Yourself Option can reach up to $99, while its cheapest desktop option is $70 (plus $25 per state return).

On the other hand, TaxSlayer’s most basic option (other than its free option) costs $22.99 for a federal return plus $39.99 per state return.

TurboTax vs. TaxSlayer: Features

TaxSlayer is less expensive, but that’s largely because it offers fewer features than TurboTax. You pay to get access to the tax forms you need. There are relatively few other extras, like calculators and expense trackers.

TurboTax also has more educational content for filers. All TurboTax options include guidance from an audit expert in case you get audited. That gives you support for one year and an expert will help you prepare for an audit. The equivalent service from TaxSlayer is only available with the Premium and Self-Employed options. For an additional fee, TurboTax also offers Audit Defense, full audit representation by a licensed tax professional.

Get a quick estimate of your tax situation before choosing a software by using our income tax calculator below.

Income Tax Calculator

Calculate your federal, state and local taxes for the 2025 tax year.

Your 2025 Total Income Taxes

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Federal Income & FICA Taxes

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State Taxes

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Local Taxes

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About This Calculator

Our income tax calculator calculates your federal, state and local taxes based on several key inputs: your household income, location, filing status and number of personal exemptions.

How Income Taxes Are Calculated

First, we calculate your adjusted gross income (AGI) by taking your total household income and reducing it by certain items such as contributions to your 401(k).
Next, from AGI we subtract exemptions and deductions (either itemized or standard) to get your taxable income. Exemptions can be claimed for each taxpayer.
Based on your filing status, your taxable income is then applied to the tax brackets to calculate your federal income taxes owed for the year.
Your location will determine whether you owe local and / or state taxes.

When Do We Update? - We check for any updates to the latest tax rates and regulations annually.

Customer Service - If you would like to leave any feedback, feel free to email info@smartasset.com.

Assumptions

Deductions

"Other Pre-Tax Deductions" are not used to calculate state taxable income.

Credits

The only federal credit automatically calculated is the Savers Credit, depending on your eligibility.
We do not apply any refundable credits, like the Child Tax Credit or Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
We do not apply state credits in our calculations.

Itemized Deductions

If itemizing at the federal level, you may need to itemize at the state level too. Some states don't allow itemized deductions, which is accounted for in our calculations.
When calculating the SALT deduction for itemized deductions, we use state and local taxes, and we assume your MAGI.
We assume that there is no cap to itemized deductions, if a state allows them.
We do not categorize itemized deductions (such as medical expenses or mortgage interest), which could be subject to specific caps per state.

Local Tax

Depending on the state, we calculate local taxes at the city level or county level. We do not include local taxes on school districts, metro areas or combine county and city taxes.
With the exception of NYC, Yonkers, and Portland/Multnomah County, we assume local taxes are a flat tax on either state taxable income or gross income.

Actual results may vary based on individual circumstances and changes in tax laws or IRS regulations. Estimates provided by this calculator do not guarantee income tax amounts or rates. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

SmartAsset.com does not provide legal, tax, accounting or financial advice (except for referring users to third-party advisers registered or chartered as fiduciaries ("Adviser(s)") with a regulatory body in the United States). Articles, opinions and tools are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Users should consult their accountant, tax advisor or legal professional to address their particular situation.

TurboTax vs. TaxSlayer: User-Friendliness

TaxSlayer generally offers a good user experience, but there is no question that TurboTax is the more user-friendly of the two, whether you’re talking about mobile or desktop.

TurboTax’s interview-style approach will guide you through the filing process with simple questions. There is minimal tax jargon. There are also clear explanations and useful educational content. First-time filers without much tax knowledge will certainly appreciate the TurboTax experience. (Many first-time filers will also be able to file for free with TurboTax.) With TurboTax, it’s also easy to upload and attach documents.

TaxSlayer’s experience isn’t quite as smooth. The design isn’t as inviting as TurboTax’s. It doesn’t include the constant encouragement that you get when you file with TurboTax. While TaxSlayer will get you to the same endpoint (filing your taxes) but you may experience small hiccups along the way.

Bottom Line

TurboTax and TaxSlayer both offer successful tax filing services. The best option for you will depend on your specific situation and complexity of your needs. If you’re considering these two services and your primary concern is cost, TaxSlayer is likely your best bet. The exception is if you have a simple tax return, since both platforms allow you to prepare and file simple returns for free.

If you aren’t just looking for the cheapest option, TurboTax may be the way to go. It offers a simple user experience. First-time filers in particular will like the way that TurboTax guides them through the process. Its paid options are relatively expensive, but they may be worth the price if you’re a freelancer, contractor or business owner. Despite the price differences, it’s worth noting that both services run frequent sales on their products.

Tips for Choosing a Tax-Filing Service

You might also consider turning to a financial advisor for tax planning services, which can ensure tax efficiency. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
When you choose a tax filing service, it’s always a good idea to shop around. We know that there are a lot of options (and searching takes time), so SmartAsset has put in the work for you to find the best online tax software.
If you are considering a tax filing service, make sure that it offers all the forms you need. That includes having the forms at an affordable price. You don’t want to go with a service that only offers the form you need with its most expensive plan if another service offers the form in its free plan. Speaking of free, here’s a good look at the best free online tax software.
It’s useful to get reviews from friends, but always keep in mind what your level of tax knowledge is. If you have a friend who knows a lot about taxes, she may like a no-frills service that offers little educational content. Meanwhile, you may prefer the educational content because you’re still learning how the tax system works. If you are looking for educational content, you may want to check out TurboTax or H&R Block in particular.