TaxSlayer Self-Employed Review 2024: Plenty of Support at a Good Price

Filing taxes can be a tedious task, especially for self-employed individuals. From tracking expenses to claiming deductions, the tax preparation process can be overwhelming. TaxSlayer is a popular online tax preparation software program that offers a Self-Employed plan, simplifying the process. This TaxSlayer Self-Employed review will discuss the features, pros, and cons of the software to help you decide whether it's the right fit for you.

Alternatives to consider

• If wanting the support of a branch network: H&R Block Self-Employed
• If wanting one of the most robust options available: TurboTax Premium

TaxSlayer Self-Employed's features

All TaxSlayer Self-Employed plans include complete tax preparation, printing, and e-filing, as well as free phone and email support.

TaxSlayer Classic, Premium, and Self-Employed plans all include an option to import W-2s, but you must enter your employer's EIN to see if your W-2 qualifies for import.

The plans also include credits and deductions capability, as well as the ability to enter adjustments.

Both the Premium and Self-Employed plans offer priority phone support and a live chat option for any technical issues.

Income management

TaxSlayer Self-Employed offers you two ways to enter your income, by using the guided interview process, or by simply locating the forms you need and entering the information there.

Again, if this is the first time preparing your tax return, the interview process is your best option, but it's nice that those who have been doing taxes for years are given the option to complete the tax forms directly.

The Income section in TaxSlayer Self-Employed lets you choose to be guided through the process or enter information directly on forms that you choose.

If you choose to fill out forms directly, you are then provided with a list of applicable forms, such as W-2s, 1098s, 1099s, and Schedule C, where you can choose the forms that you need to complete.

Deduction finder

The Deduction finder guides you through the process of finding possible credits and deductions for both your business as well as the personal portion of your tax return.

The Deductions screen offers access to a variety of deductions and credits.

Along with the option to use the standard deduction or enter itemized deductions, you can also access the Credits section, where you can view common tax credits that you may be able to take on your return.

Compare Deductions

The Compare Deductions feature allows you to view both the standard deduction that you've taken along with any current itemized deductions that have been entered.

No need to choose, as TaxSlayer Self-Employed will automatically use the higher of the two deductions when preparing your return.

Tax payment reminders

This is one of my favorite features in TaxSlayer Self-Employed. While the application does a good job of guiding you through the process of entering your business income and deductions, it doesn't stop there.

If your current tax obligation indicates that you may incur a penalty next year unless you begin making quarterly tax payments, TaxSlayer Self-Employed will create payment vouchers and send you a reminder when your quarterly payments are due.

Multiple platforms supported

TaxSlayer Self-Employed is compatible with all major browsers and offers an option to check browser compatibility within the application. The application now also works on all iOS and Android devices, offering the same level of functionality that the online application offers, so you can prepare and file your taxes using your smartphone if desired.

TaxSlayer offers a full-featured mobile app for both iOS and Android devices.

In addition, the application supports most Windows, Macintosh, and Linux-based operating systems.

TaxSlayer Self-Employed's ease of use

TaxSlayer Self-Employed offers an intuitive user interface, where you can quickly enter your personal information, including filing status and dependent information. You can use the interview process for easy navigation or jump to a particular section.

The TaxSlayer Self-Employed navigation screen includes a vertical menu bar, which can be hidden.

Jumping to another section can be particularly helpful if you wish to return to an area where you have already entered information, otherwise you'll likely receive an error message that other information needs to be added.

One of the nice things about TaxSlayer Self-Employed is that it combines multiple questions on a single page, such as address information with a state residency question, reducing the number of pages you need to access.

With a nod to first time filers, TaxSlayer Self-Employed also includes the Filing Status Wizard, which asks you a series of questions in order to determine what filing status is best for you.

As mentioned earlier, the application also gives you the choice to use the interview or guide process or jump to the appropriate forms that need to be completed.

If you're new to preparing taxes, stick with the guide process, but if you've been completing your taxes for years, feel free to jump ahead to the appropriate forms.

TaxSlayer Self-Employed's pricing

TaxSlayer Self-Employed's cost tops out at $64.95, though you will have to pay an extra $39.95 for state filing, which is considerably less than the competition. All TaxSlayer Self-Employed plans are online, with no installation or product download needed.

TaxSlayer Self-Employed offers four affordably priced plans.

TaxSlayer currently offers four plans:

1. Simply Free: Good for those with an uncomplicated return
2. Classic: A true bargain, with access to all forms
3. Premium: Provides perks such as audit assistance, priority support and unlimited assistance, and live chat
4. Self-Employed: Best for small business owners, freelancers, and startups. Includes everything in the Premium version as well

TaxSlayer Self-Employed's support

TaxSlayer offers free email and phone support with all plans, even the Simply Free plan. It includes a searchable knowledge base that provides solutions to common issues.

The Self-Employed version comes with access to a tax pro with self-employed expertise, personalized guide to self-employed taxes​, and year-round tax and income tips when you need it.

Clicking on the question mark next to any task will display detailed information on that topic.

While entering information in TaxSlayer Self-Employed, if you don't understand exactly what an item or task means, just click on the question mark to the right of the topic to display a detailed explanation.

TaxSlayer also offers audit assistance and priority level email and phone support to both Premium plan and Self-Employed plan users.

Both the Premium plan and the Self-Employed plan also include the Ask a Tax Pro option, with Self-Employed plan users having access to a tax pro, an enrolled agent (EA) or CPA that has self-employment expertise.

A live chat option is also available.

Benefits of TaxSlayer Self-Employed

One of TaxSlayer Self-Employed's biggest benefits is its affordability, particularly in comparison to its competitors.

Though lower in cost, TaxSlayer Self-Employed provides all of the features and functions that you'll need to prepare your return, with handy tools and resources available to make the preparation process easier.

Another benefit is the availability of both phone and email support for all plans, even the free plan.

TaxSlayer Self-Employed is an affordably priced solution

We all have to do our taxes. But we don't have to pay a lot in order to have them accurately prepared and submitted. TaxSlayer Self-Employed offers most of the features its competitors do, with better help and support options, all at a reasonable cost.

TaxSlayer, while providing efficient tax-filing services, can be seen as less user-friendly than other popular tax platforms. Users may find themselves doing more "digging" to find what they need compared to other services. However, TaxSlayer offers a variety of helpful tax-related resources and tips for users.

For those who are familiar with navigating complex tax situations or who value the low cost plans offered by TaxSlayer, the slightly less intuitive platform won't impact their experience as much as it would someone with less experience filing taxes. Ultimately, it's important for users to choose a tax platform that best fits their individual needs and preferences.