TaxAct vs TaxSlayer2026
TaxAct
Tax Software
Affordable online tax filing for individuals, freelancers, and small businesses.
TaxSlayer
Tax Software
Fast, affordable online tax filing with a simple interface and strong self-employed support.
Our Verdict
TaxSlayer is the more affordable option with a free tier.
Choose TaxAct if…
teams at the freelancers and solo operators stage and teams that need more power and don't mind paying for it
Choose TaxSlayer if…
teams at the freelancers and solo operators stage and budget-conscious buyers who want to start for free or at lower cost
Side-by-Side Comparison
Green highlight = advantage on that metric.
| Feature | TaxAct | TaxSlayer |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Pricing model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting price | $30/mo | Free |
| Free tier | ||
| Free trial | ||
| Ratings & Reviews | ||
| User rating | No reviews yet | No reviews yet |
| Features & Capabilities | ||
| Best for | freelancers and solo operators | freelancers and solo operators |
| Tracked features | 1 | 1 |
| Company | ||
| Founded | 1998 | 1998 |
| Verified listing | ||
Pricing
TaxAct
PaidTaxSlayer
FreemiumTaxAct
$30/moTaxSlayer
FreeTaxAct
TaxSlayer
TaxAct
TaxSlayer
Ratings & Reviews
TaxAct
No reviews yetTaxSlayer
No reviews yetFeatures & Capabilities
TaxAct
freelancers and solo operatorsTaxSlayer
freelancers and solo operatorsTaxAct
1TaxSlayer
1Company
TaxAct
1998TaxSlayer
1998TaxAct
TaxSlayer
Key Differences
TaxAct
Paid
TaxSlayer
✓Freemium
TaxAct
$30/mo
TaxSlayer
✓Free
TaxAct is best for…
Strengths
- More affordable than TurboTax
- Covers all major situations
- Guaranteed maximum refund
- Step-by-step guidance
TaxSlayer is best for…
Strengths
- Very affordable — cheaper than TurboTax
- Free federal return for simple situations
- Good self-employed coverage
- Fast filing process
Pricing Comparison
TaxAct
From $29.99/mo
Federal return from $29.99. State filing costs extra.
TaxSlayer
Freemium
Simply Free for basic returns. Classic from $37.95. Self-Employed from $47.95.
Pricing information is verified periodically. Visit each vendor's pricing page for current rates and plan details.
Feature Comparison
Both tools
- Tax Preparation
Alternatives & More Comparisons
Alternatives to TaxAct
Alternatives to TaxSlayer
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the main difference between TaxAct and TaxSlayer?
- TaxSlayer is the more affordable option with a free tier. Choose TaxAct if you need it for teams at the freelancers and solo operators stage and teams that need more power and don't mind paying for it. Choose TaxSlayer if you need it for teams at the freelancers and solo operators stage and budget-conscious buyers who want to start for free or at lower cost.
- Is TaxAct cheaper than TaxSlayer?
- TaxSlayer is cheaper at Freemium vs From $29.99/mo. Note that pricing tiers vary — check each vendor's current pricing page for up-to-date details.
- Can I switch from TaxAct to TaxSlayer?
- Yes — most teams can migrate from TaxAct to TaxSlayer with a data export/import process. Check whether both tools support CSV or API data export before starting. It's advisable to run both tools in parallel for a short period to verify your data migrated correctly.