The short version
- Best value overall: TaxSlayer Classic – one flat federal price covers every form and every tax situation; you only pay more for extra support, not for extra forms.
- Truly simple returns: TaxSlayer Simply Free handles W-2 income up to $100k without dependents – and even includes the student loan interest deduction, which most free tiers don't.
- Timing matters: Prices are seasonal. Filing early typically costs noticeably less than filing near the deadline.
- Military: Active-duty service members file federal with Classic for free.
The US tax software market loves to upsell: many big-name products lock common forms behind higher tiers, so your "cheap" return gets expensive the moment you add investment income or self-employment. This comparison focuses on providers that price differently – and says honestly where each one falls short.
TaxSlayer: Pay for support, not for forms
TaxSlayer's pricing model is its genuine differentiator: every paid tier includes all IRS forms and schedules. Whether you have freelance income, rental property or capital gains – Classic handles it. The higher tiers don't unlock forms; they unlock help: Premium adds priority support, live chat and access to a tax professional plus three years of audit assistance, while Self-Employed (around $52.99) adds guidance specific to 1099 income and quarterly taxes.
Classic federal pricing typically runs $22.99–$44.99 depending on when you file – TaxSlayer raises prices as the April deadline approaches, so early filers pay materially less. State returns cost around $39.99 each. Simply Free covers the basics (W-2 income up to $100,000, no dependents, standard deduction) and unusually includes the student loan interest deduction – though not the Child Tax Credit or EITC, which push you into Classic.
The honest limitations: TaxSlayer is cloud-only (no desktop software), the interview flow is leaner than TurboTax's hand-holding, and support depth is exactly what the tier ladder says it is. If you know roughly what you're doing, that leanness is a feature, not a bug – it's what keeps the price down.
eSmart Tax: The Liberty Tax alternative
eSmart Tax is the online arm of the Liberty Tax family. Pricing sits higher than TaxSlayer – the basic federal return runs around $45.95 plus roughly $36.95 per state – with Deluxe and Premium tiers above that for more complex situations.
Its main argument is the connection to Liberty's physical office network: if your online return gets complicated, there is a path to in-person help that pure-online providers can't offer. For straightforward returns filed early, TaxSlayer will usually be cheaper; eSmart makes more sense if that brick-and-mortar backup has value for you.
Which filer fits which product?
The simple W-2 filer (single job, standard deduction, under $100k): TaxSlayer Simply Free – genuinely $0 federal if you fit the criteria.
The typical household (kids, credits, some investments): TaxSlayer Classic – every form included, one price, file early to pay less.
The freelancer / gig worker: TaxSlayer Self-Employed for the 1099-specific guidance, or Classic if you're confident with Schedule C on your own.
The "I might need a human" filer: TaxSlayer Premium (remote tax pro + audit assistance) or eSmart Tax if in-person Liberty offices matter to you.
Active-duty military: TaxSlayer Classic, federal free.
Frequently asked questions
Simply Free is $0 for qualifying basic returns. Classic typically runs $22.99–$44.99 for federal depending on how early you file, plus around $39.99 per state. Premium and Self-Employed (around $52.99) add support levels, not forms – all forms are already included in Classic.
TaxSlayer prices by support level, not by tax situation: every paid tier includes all forms and schedules. Most competitors lock forms like Schedule C or D behind higher tiers, which is where their advertised low prices quietly multiply.
Taxable income under $100,000, W-2 income, no dependents, standard deduction. It notably includes the student loan interest deduction, but not the Child Tax Credit or Earned Income Tax Credit – those require Classic.
Yes – active-duty service members can file their federal return with the full Classic edition for free. State returns still cost extra.
Most providers, including TaxSlayer, use seasonal pricing: the closer to the April deadline, the higher the price. Filing in January or February typically locks in the lowest rates.
eSmart Tax is the online filing product of the Liberty Tax family. Basic federal returns cost around $45.95 plus about $36.95 per state. Its distinctive advantage is the connection to Liberty's physical offices if you end up needing in-person help.