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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
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Is it worth paying for

TaxSlayer

65
Value score / 100 Worth paying? Depends It depends

TaxSlayer can be worth using for its ease and affordability, especially for simple returns, but be wary of unexpected charges and app functionality issues.

Free to download seen up to $600 4.8★ lifetime (20,576) since 2013

TaxSlayer is often praised for being easy to use and more affordable than competitors like TurboTax, attracting both first-time filers and long-term users R5R8R15. However, many users report being unexpectedly upcharged or finding that advertised 'free' filing tiers become paid, sometimes costing over $100 for federal and state returns R2R3R20R40.

Free vs paid

The app is advertised as free, and some users with simple returns or specific qualifications (like military status in the past) have successfully filed for free R68. However, many users report that after completing their tax information, they are unexpectedly charged for federal and state filing, often due to specific tax credits or forms requiring a paid package R2R3R20R40. State returns, in particular, are frequently cited as incurring charges, sometimes as high as $46 R12R51. Paid features also include charges for amendments ($45, R58, R75), paying fees directly from a refund ($40, R65), and accessing previous year's documents . Some users also paid $20 for additional help, which they found worthwhile R30.

Value complaints

  • Many users are unexpectedly charged after spending time entering information, with 'free' tiers becoming paid due to specific tax situations or forms.R2R3R20R40
  • State returns are frequently cited as incurring charges, sometimes considered excessive, especially when no refund is received.R12R51
  • Prices have significantly increased over time, disappointing long-term users who valued its affordability.R26R108R116R118
  • Additional fees are charged for services like filing amendments ($45), paying fees from a refund ($40), or carrying over previous year's information.R58R64R65R75
  • Some users feel the pricing is not cheaper than competitors like TurboTax, despite initial claims.R25

Where it delivers

  • Many users find the app easy, straightforward, and simple to use, even for first-time filers or those with self-employment income.R5R13R15R17
  • TaxSlayer is often seen as a more affordable alternative to TurboTax, with some users reporting it was free for them when TurboTax charged.R8R29R36R68
  • Some users report better refund outcomes or error correction compared to TurboTax.R70R93
  • Customer service, particularly the TaxPro specialist option, is praised for being helpful and timely.R30R50R63R73
Worth paying if

It is worth paying if you have a simple tax situation that truly qualifies for a lower-cost tier, or if you find the guided process easy and prefer it over other services R5R13R15R17. It may also be worth it if you need TaxPro specialist help, which some users found valuable for around $60 R50.

Skip / stay free if

Skip if you expect a truly free filing experience beyond the most basic federal return, as many users are upcharged unexpectedly R2R3R20R40. Also skip if you need reliable access to download or print your tax returns from the app, as this is a frequent point of failure R1R6R7R22. Users who prefer to import W2s via photo or need advanced features might find it lacking compared to competitors R33.

Evidence note: The reviews show a strong dichotomy between users who find it easy and affordable, and those who experience significant issues with unexpected charges and app functionality. Recent reviews skew more negative regarding pricing and technical problems.

Frequently asked

Is TaxSlayer truly free?
TaxSlayer is advertised as free, but many users report being unexpectedly charged for federal and state filing, often due to specific tax credits or forms requiring a paid package R2R3R20R40. Some users with very simple returns or specific qualifications have filed for free R68.
Are there hidden fees with TaxSlayer?
Yes, many users report hidden or unexpected fees, such as being upcharged after choosing a $0 option, or finding that state returns and certain tax credits require payment R2R3R20R40. Fees for amendments ($45) and paying directly from a refund ($40) are also mentioned R58R64R65R75.
Can I download or print my tax returns from the TaxSlayer app?
Many users report significant issues with downloading or printing tax returns from the app, often experiencing blank screens, endless loading, or being unable to access documents even after paying for them R1R6R7R22. Some users had to use the website to download their returns .
How does TaxSlayer compare to TurboTax?
Many users find TaxSlayer easier to use and more affordable than TurboTax, with some reporting better refund outcomes R8R29R31. However, some users who switched from TurboTax due to its cost found TaxSlayer also charged them unexpectedly R33, and some found it less easy or lacking features like W2 photo import .

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R2] 1/5 · US Automatically Upcharged me: Charged me $140 dollars after I chose the $0 option does not make any sense and the customer service was no help in tracing the funds ! Not recommended
  2. [R3] 1/5 · US tried charging me 150$ for state taxes: just tried again and its still over priced, the other app im using now costs 55$... it costs more than the actual taxes costs
  3. [R20] 1/5 · US Free offer very misleading 😡: Took time to fill out every form, ready to file. Read through the “free” tier requirements carefully before I began. Ready to file, expecting it to be free only to be required to pay $71 total for Fed+State. Vague explanation that one of my tax credits requires the Classic package. But I didn’t even have credits reported and it wouldn’t specify what exactly was the is
  4. [R40] 1/5 · US Misleading: I used TaxSlayer through the IRS Free File link because I qualified for a free return, yet I was still charged $130. That felt misleading and disappointing, especially during a time-sensitive filing. Transparency about costs before you start would make a huge difference. I’ve reached out for a refund and hope the company honors its advertised program.
  5. [R12] 3/5 · US Payment: I think $46.00 payment for a state return especially where I get zero money money back from the state and I’m 100% Disabled, I think is HORRIBLE!!!!!
  6. [R51] 1/5 · US Pricing: Starts off one price stating that federal filing-there’s a charge(okay), but if you also file state- it’s free. BOGUS Next year -filing both on (paper) no more electronic filing. Thanx
  7. [R26] 3/5 · US Disappointed in the prize: I have been using TaxSlayer for over 10 years because it was easy and affordable. It is still very easy and clear for someone who is not an accountant to use. However, the price has more than doubled in the past year. I’m very disappointed that TaxSlayer is not keeping it affordable for those of us that worked very hard for our money
  8. [R108] 3/5 · US Review: Price has quadrupled since I started using this
  9. [R116] 2/5 · US Review: Services are rather expensive. H & R block is actually cheaper now
  10. [R118] 2/5 · US Why: Why did you charge more than the 29.99 charge it said before I done my taxes. I refused all the extras and charged me $102. Been using TaxSlayer for years. I’ll be doing it on a free service next year!!
  11. [R58] 3/5 · US Never filing with them again!: My first year not using TurboTax. Thought I’d give TaxSlayer a try and it was cool until I needed an amendment… there is a $45 charge! Do better.
  12. [R64] 2/5 · US Overcharging to file taxes: I never chose premium file they charged me an extra 45.00 in this economy I have 5 kids always putting profits over the customer typical. To print a paper and have it e filed y’all should be ashamed how many customers are yall over charging yall are making millions and still taking from us customers next yr ill paper file myself it may seem like a little bit to u but 4
  13. [R65] 2/5 · US Shady but who isn’t?: ^ charges you an extra $40 to pay them directly from your return. The audacity of these people is downright astounding.
  14. [R75] 1/5 · US Garbage: They charge $42 for an amended return? Avoid!!
  15. [R25] 1/5 · US No cheaper: No cheaper than Turbo Tax, push products on you like crazy.
  16. [R5] 5/5 · US Great App: So straightforward. Especially for a first-time user. Thank you
  17. [R13] 5/5 · US Great: Always easy
  18. [R15] 5/5 · US Easy peasy!: Filing my taxes with TaxSlayer is no hassle and easy.
  19. [R17] 5/5 · US Easy: Great tax company. Easy to prepare your taxes. Even a baby can do it. Easy instructions line per line help. You can mess it up.
  20. [R8] 5/5 · US The New Turbo Tax: Set up identically to turbo tax, but 1/5 the cost. Will be using them moving forward!
  21. [R29] 5/5 · US My new tax assistant!: Value is affordable & user friendly portal for everyone to do their own taxes.
  22. [R36] 5/5 · US Tax Slayer: Omg they are way way better than TurboTax it’s fast quick n easy n I like there system bye turbo never again plus this is my first year with TaxSlayer thanks so much LACY !!
  23. [R68] 5/5 · US Easy and Free: Very easy to use. I am also very appreciative that it is free for me since my status qualifies for free federal and state filing. TurboTax wanted to charge almost $70 when I’m not even getting a big return. I will plan to use this app again next year if it remains free!
  24. [R70] 5/5 · US Taxes: Tried TurboTax and my return went from $9000 to $2000. TaxSlayer fixed it right
  25. [R93] 5/5 · US Cheaper and Better than TurboTax: Every time I used TurboTax I always felt like I was cheated from my tax returns or it was a struggle to file my taxes with them. I’m glad I found this app! The whole process is way easier and from my experience it wasn’t glitchy at all. I can go back an edit my information and the app notifies you of any missing information or if you entered incorrect information.
  26. [R30] 5/5 · US Additional help: The 20$ for additional help was well worth it. They answered my questions within 20 minutes.
  27. [R50] 5/5 · US Crystal with TaxPro: Crystal had amazing customer service. Called in a timely manner. I was honestly so lost with my 1099R and she not only walked me through the process but took her time to explain everything. She basically broke it down Barney’s style. I was stressed for 3 days straight trying to figure it out on my own and my only regret is not reaching out to the TaxPro specialist sooner. If
  28. [R63] 5/5 · US Excellent: The app and customer service was amazing. I use to use turbo tax and this by far exceeds that program!!!
  29. [R73] 5/5 · US East to use. Good phone support too.: Program is easy to use and phone support people were very nice and helpful too. Thank you very much!
  30. [R1] 1/5 · US Can I say I’d rather clean toilets all day than do taxes: Forget about trying to access or print your taxes! Logged in 20 times App just trying to EXTRACT MY OWN INFORMATION!Guess you better just plan to get your own transcript from the IRS!
  31. [R6] 1/5 · US Hard to navigate: Could not download or print returns for this year or previous years. Could not review return. Hope everything turns out ok You can’t go to a specified line , like line 20 on 1040. Wtf
  32. [R7] 2/5 · US Terrible navigation: Kicked out numerous times. Can’t access docs already paid (a lot) for! Won’t let me download or view/print my returns.
  33. [R22] 3/5 · US Malfunction: There is something wrong with the app it won’t let me type anything update how come I can’t download my tax return to look at it
  34. [R31] 5/5 · US Turbo Tax is a Joke: Way easier than Turbo Tax 👀👀👀
  35. [R33] 1/5 · US Didn’t let me import a picture of w2: I used to use TurboTax because it was free but they aren’t free anymore. I picked tax slayer because it said I could file for free but that was only for federal. I also had to manually input all of my forms where TurboTax lets you take a picture and it inputs everything for you. I would have just paid them if I knew I was going to have to pay anyways.

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store