TurboTax vs TaxSlayer (2026)
TaxSlayer Classic includes every form for $44.99 federal (2025 returns), so stock sales or a business cost far less than TurboTax Premium at $139. TurboTax's free tier is easier to qualify for (dependents allowed) and its expert options go further. Pick TaxSlayer to save on a complex return, TurboTax for guidance and experts.
By Wealthy Pot Editorial · Facts checked October 19, 2026
| Feature | TurboTax | TaxSlayer |
|---|---|---|
| Free federal | Free Edition $0 (simple Form 1040 only) | Simply Free $0 (state included) |
| Free for whom | Simple Form 1040 returns: W-2, EITC, Child Tax Credit, student loan interest, Schedule 1-A; Intuit says about 37% of taxpayers qualify (no unemployment, itemizing, stock sales or business income) | 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) |
| Paid federal | Deluxe $79; Premium $139 | Classic $44.99; Premium $64.99; Self-Employed $74.99 |
| Per state | $64 per state on Deluxe and Premium | State additional (price shown at checkout; $47.99 on archived Apr-Jul 2026 pages) |
| Expert help | Expert Assist $59, $129 or $209; Expert Full Service from $129 | Ask a Tax Pro on Premium and Self-Employed |
| Simple W-2 return + one state | $0 (Free Edition) | $0 (Simply Free) |
| Stock sales + one state | $203 (Premium) | $44.99 + state (Classic) |
| Self-employed + one state | $203 (Premium) | $44.99 + state (Classic) |
| IRS Free File | No: Intuit left IRS Free File in 2021 | 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 |
| Best for | Filers who want the most guided interview and will pay for expert help | Filers with investments or self-employment who want every form at one low federal price |
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
TaxSlayer charges by support level, not by form. Classic ($44.99) handles every form, including Schedules C, D and E; Premium ($64.99) adds priority support and Ask a Tax Pro; Self-Employed ($74.99) adds self-employment tax pros and audit assistance. TurboTax charges by complexity: Deluxe $79, then Premium $139 for stocks, rentals or a business, plus $64 for a state. TaxSlayer's state price is shown at checkout ($47.99 on its archived April to July 2026 pages).
The free tiers differ. TaxSlayer Simply Free (federal plus one state) is only for filers without dependents, under 65, with taxable income of $100,000 or less from wages, interest up to $1,500 or unemployment; it excludes the EITC and Child Tax Credit. TurboTax Free Edition allows the EITC, Child Tax Credit and student loan interest.
TaxSlayer is an IRS Free File partner for 2025 returns (AGI $19,000 to $89,000 and age 67 or younger, or EITC-eligible, or active-duty military), with free state returns for those who qualify. TurboTax is not.
Where TurboTax wins
- Free Edition includes the state return at $0
- Expert Assist and Full Service from the same account, with a final expert review
- Premium handles over 10,000 stock and 20,000 crypto transactions
- Online amending of 2025 returns stays open through October 31, 2028 on paid tiers
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
Which should you use?
Pick TurboTax if
- You want the most step-by-step interview and do not mind paying for it.
- You may want a tax expert to answer questions or review the return before it is filed, from the same account.
- Your return is simple enough for Free Edition, which includes the state return at $0.
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.
TurboTax vs TaxSlayer: FAQ
Is TaxSlayer cheaper than TurboTax?
For anything beyond a simple return, yes: Classic at $44.99 federal covers every form, while TurboTax needs Premium at $139 for stock sales or self-employment (2025 returns, before state).
Can I use TaxSlayer Simply Free with kids?
No. Simply Free is only for filers with no dependents. TurboTax Free Edition and H&R Block Free Online allow the Child Tax Credit.
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.