TaxSlayer vs FreeTaxUSA (2026)
Both put every form in a low-priced tier. FreeTaxUSA charges $0 federal and $15.99 per state; TaxSlayer Classic charges $44.99 federal plus a state fee shown at checkout (2025 returns). TaxSlayer's Simply Free is $0 with a state for simple returns without dependents. For most returns FreeTaxUSA costs less.
By Wealthy Pot Editorial · Facts checked October 19, 2026
| Feature | TaxSlayer | FreeTaxUSA |
|---|---|---|
| Free federal | Simply Free $0 (state included) | Federal $0 for all supported situations |
| Free for whom | Narrow: single or joint, no dependents, both under 65, standard deduction, taxable income $100,000 or less from wages, interest up to $1,500 or unemployment (no EITC or Child Tax Credit) | Everyone, no income limit; covers self-employment, investments, rentals and itemizing (not foreign earned income, nonresident returns or filers living abroad) |
| Paid federal | Classic $44.99; Premium $64.99; Self-Employed $74.99 | Federal $0; optional Deluxe $7.99, Pro Support $64.99, Audit Defense $19.99 |
| Per state | State additional (price shown at checkout; $47.99 on archived Apr-Jul 2026 pages) | $15.99 per state |
| Expert help | Ask a Tax Pro on Premium and Self-Employed | Pro Support $64.99 (tax pro by phone, final review); Deluxe $7.99 is live chat with support staff |
| Simple W-2 return + one state | $0 (Simply Free) | $15.99 (Federal (all situations)) |
| Stock sales + one state | $44.99 + state (Classic) | $15.99 (Federal (all situations)) |
| Self-employed + one state | $44.99 + state (Classic) | $15.99 (Federal (all situations)) |
| IRS Free File | Yes: AGI $19,000 to $89,000 and age 67 or younger, or EITC-eligible, or active-duty military; free state for those who qualify | Yes: free federal and state with AGI of $51,000 or less ($89,000 for active-duty military) |
| Best for | Filers with investments or self-employment who want every form at one low federal price | Cost-conscious filers with investments, rentals or self-employment income |
Prices for 2025 returns (the 2026 filing season), read on each company's site on October 19, 2026; prices for 2026 returns had not been published yet. Totals are our arithmetic for federal plus one state on the cheapest tier that handles each case, before add-ons.
Key differences
For a complex return (stock sales, rentals, self-employment), FreeTaxUSA is $15.99 in total for federal plus one state. TaxSlayer Classic is $44.99 federal plus its state fee, which its site now shows only at checkout ($47.99 on archived pages from April to July 2026).
For a simple return, TaxSlayer Simply Free includes federal and one state for $0, but only without dependents, under 65 and with taxable income of $100,000 or less from wages, interest up to $1,500 or unemployment. FreeTaxUSA charges $15.99 for the state either way.
Both are IRS Free File partners for 2025 returns. FreeTaxUSA: AGI of $51,000 or less (or $89,000 for active-duty military). TaxSlayer: AGI of $19,000 to $89,000 and age 67 or younger, or EITC-eligible, or active-duty military. Both include a free state return for those who qualify.
Where TaxSlayer wins
- Classic includes every form, so investments and a business do not force an upgrade
- IRS Free File offer covers EITC filers and active-duty military, with free state returns
- Phone and email support on all tiers, even Simply Free
- Self-Employed tier adds audit assistance for 3 years
Where FreeTaxUSA wins
- Federal $0 with stock sales, rentals, a business and K-1s, with no income limit
- State returns at $15.99 each, far below the per-state fees on TurboTax or H&R Block paid tiers
- Phone access to a Tax Pro for a $64.99 add-on
- Prior-year federal returns for 2018 to 2024 also $0
Which should you use?
Pick TaxSlayer if
- You have stock sales, rentals or Schedule C income and want every form in one $44.99 tier.
- You qualify for its IRS Free File offer, which takes EITC filers at any age and includes state returns.
- You want phone support on every tier, with Ask a Tax Pro available as an upgrade.
Pick FreeTaxUSA if
- You have stock sales, rentals, a side business or itemized deductions and want to pay $0 for the federal return anyway.
- You are comfortable answering the interview yourself and want help only as an option.
- You need to file a past year from 2018 to 2024: the federal return is still $0.
TaxSlayer vs FreeTaxUSA: FAQ
Is TaxSlayer or FreeTaxUSA cheaper?
FreeTaxUSA for most returns: $0 federal and $15.99 per state. TaxSlayer is cheaper only if you qualify for Simply Free (no dependents, simple income), which includes one state for $0.
Do both handle self-employment?
Yes. FreeTaxUSA includes Schedule C on its free federal return; TaxSlayer includes it from Classic ($44.99).
Compare these against every option in our tax software comparison.
We summarize each product's published pricing and features, not user reviews. Facts come from our full reviews of both products, each checked against the company's own pages on October 19, 2026 with every source listed. Tax-software prices change through the season. We do not earn commissions from these companies. Nothing here is tax advice.