Annual tax return deadlines are fast approaching, and thousands of American’s are faced with a myriad of options when it comes to tax software. Although making this decision isn’t a particularly fun task, the right tax software can make preparing and filing taxes more efficient and straightforward.

Three of the most popular tax software providers are TurboTax, H&R Block, and TaxSlayer.

This begs the questions:

Who is cheaper, TaxSlayer, H&R Block, or TurboTax?

And,

Which is better, TurboTax, or H&R Block, or TaxSlayer?

In this piece, we’ll provide an overview of these three services, comparing things like;

The cost of H&R Block vs. TaxSlayer, and providing enough information for you to make decisions such as H&R Block or TurboTax, and TaxSlayer or H&R Block.

Although TurboTax is currently recognized as the market leader for tax-filing software, it’s more expensive than most competitors and isn’t perfect for everyone. TaxSlayer is a low-cost option but lacks some of the premium features available with H&R Block and TurboTax.

So, when it comes to TaxSlayer vs. H&R Block, H&R Block vs. TurboTax, or TurboTax vs. H&R Block vs. TaxSlayer, we’ve got you covered. Read on to find out more information about these popular tax-filing software providers.

In the competitive tax software market, H&R Block is a popular product. Although not the most expensive software on the market, it’s certainly not the cheapest either.

That said, H&R Block offers a free version of their software and provides straightforward on-screen chat support at no additional cost.

H&R Block Comparison 2021

H&R Block prices start at $0 and then roll out in four tiers:

Basic:

Federal Tax Return Cost: $69.99

State Tax Return Cost: $0

Deluxe:

Federal Tax Return Cost: $49.99 (or $109.99 with Online Assist)

State Tax Return Cost: $36.99

Premium:

Federal Tax Return Cost: $69.99 (or $159.99 with Online Assist)

State Tax Return Cost: $36.99

Self Employed:

Federal Tax Return Costs: $109.99 (or $194.99 with Online Assist)

State Tax Return Cost: $36.99

H&R Block’s interface is straightforward, self-explanatory, and easy-to-use. Jumping from section to section can be a little tricky. However, a banner across the top of the interface helps you to track your overall progress.

As you fill out your tax return, embedded ‘learn more’ links provide vital information, and the live chat support is available as a backup for those who are struggling.

Auto-import tax documents:

You can easily import different types of 1099s or your 1099k/1099-MISC if you are self-employed. For people in full-time employment, W-2 forms are relatively easy to import.

Easily upload information from another provider:

H&R Block can import the previous year’s data from a TurboTax data file, a PDF, or a tax return from any other provider.

Platform Mobility:

As H&R Block is online software, you can log in from a mobile phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop device. There is also a convenient mobile application available.

Donation Calculator:

If you purchase the Premium, Deluxe, or Self-Employed packages, you can integrate DeductionPro. This software helps you to calculate deduction values of household items, donated clothes, and other objects.

If you need help filing your tax return with H&R Block, you can use:

  • One-to-one Human Support: Live, on-screen help from a tax professional is offered with all Online Assist versions of H&R Block.
  • Tech support: For paid users, live-chat or phone support is available.
  • General Guidance: There is a searchable knowledge base, along with a range of video tutorials.

TaxSlayer has a unique pricing model, charging in accordance with the level of support that you require, rather than the software capabilities. So, the cheapest paid package can handle the same forms and tax situations as the most expensive package — the only chance is the amount of support available.

TaxSlayer Comparison 2021

TaxSlayer’s prices start at $0 and then roll out in three paid tiers:

Simply Free:

Federal Tax Return Cost: $0

State Tax Return Cost: $0

Classic:

Federal Tax Return Cost: $17

State Tax Return Cost: $32

Premium:

Federal Tax Return Cost: $37

State Tax Return Cost: $32

Self-Employed

Federal Tax Return Cost: $47

State Tax Return Cost: $32

TaxSlayer’s interface is functional and easy to use. A side banner keeps track of your tax return progress and embedded ‘learn more’ links frequently, providing explanations and tips.

Easily import information from another provider:

You can use TaxSlayer to import your previous year’s tax returns from an alternative provider, as long as they’re in PDF format and 1040 documents.

Auto-import tax documents:

Although you can’t upload 1099s or 1098s, you can easily import your W-2 information directly into your return using TaxSlayer.

Donation calculator:

Unlike close competitors like H&R Block, there are no tools to help calculate the deduction of items that you have donated to charity.

Platform mobility: As this is online software, you can log in from multiple devices. There is also a mobile app available.

If you need help filing your tax return with TaxSlayer, you can choose:

  • General guidance: Search directly via TaxSlayer’s knowledge base.
  • One-on-one tax help: Gain access to tax professionals’ written help on-demand if you subscribe to TaxSlayer’s Premium or Self-Employed packages.
  • Tech support: Access free support via phone or email. Plus, there is live chat available for Self-Employed and Premium subscribers.

Before we compare TurboTax vs. H&R Block vs. TaxSlayer, let’s look at an overview of TurboTax’s services.

TurboTax is typically more expensive than alternative tax filing software available. However, although most people won’t use most of the additional features that TurboTax online products offer, the availability of human support makes the extra cost worthwhile. TurboTax is also praised for its flow and design.

TurboTax Comparison

TurboTax’s prices start at $0 and then roll out in four paid tiers:

Free:

Federal Tax Return Cost: $0

State Tax Return Cost: $0

Live Basic

Federal Tax Return Cost: $50

State Tax Return Cost: $0

Deluxe

Federal Tax Return Cost: $60 ($120 with live support)

State Tax Return Cost: $50 ($55 with live support)

Premier

Federal Tax Return Cost: $90 ($170 with live support)

State Tax Return Cost: $50 ($55 with live support)

Self-Employed

Federal Tax Return Cost: $120 ($200 with live support)

State Tax Return Cost: $50 ($55 with live support)

The TurboTax interface is smooth, functional, and easy to navigate. A balancer running at the side of the screen helps you to keep track of progress and flags areas that need completing. There are also plenty of embedded links that offer tips and explainers throughout the process. Help buttons can connect users to a searchable knowledge base, on-screen advice, and more.

TurboTax has a range of features designed to suit all levels of user and tax situation.

Easily switch from another provider:

You can import electronic PDFs of tax returns from TaxSlayer, H&R Block, TaxAct, Liberty Tax, and Credit Karma. However, TurboTax will not allow imports from scans of hard copies of your tax documentation.

Auto-import certain tax documents:

With TurboTax, it’s easy to auto-import your W-2 information from your employer, as long as they’re partnered with TurboTax. However, you can also take a picture of your W-2 and upload it to transfer any data at a later date. Certain 1099s can be imported, and the Self-Employed subscription tier allows you to import 1099-NECs from clients as well as import income and expenses from various companies.

Donation calculator: The Deluxe, Premier, and Self-Employed packages fully integrate with ItsDeductible. This is a standalone mobile app and feature that calculates deduction values of household items, donated clothes, and other items.

Similar to TaxSlayer and H&R Block, TurboTax is compatible with a range of electronic devices, including tablets, smartphones, laptops, and desktop PCs. They also provide a mobile application for ease of use.

There are several support options available through TurboTax, including:

  • General guidance: TurboTax provides forums, video tutorials, and a searchable knowledge base.
  • Tech support: All users have access to TurboTax Assistant, a contact form, and a chatbot. Pais subscribers also get access to a TurboTax specialist.
  • One-on-one human tax assistance: If you purchase the TurboTax Live version, you can have your entire tax return reviewed by a pro. You can also submit written questions, which will be answered within 24 hour

Before you decide between TaxSlayer or TurboTax, or H&R Block, we’re going to summarize some of the pros and cons of each software

Low Prices: TaxSlayer is one of the most cost-effective DIY tax prep software services on the market

  • Intuitive Interface: TaxSlayer is easy to use, and the navigation is very simple.
  • Military Discount: Active-duty service members can use the Classic edition of TaxSlayer for free when they file federal taxes.
  • Plenty of Tools: There are some fantastic tools available through TaxSlayer, including a tax refund estimator.
  • Basic Audit Support: The audit support costs extra and is very limited.
  • Limited Tax Pro Help: You can get assistance from tax pros, but you have to submit your questions rather than use a live chat or a shared screen.
  • Less Robust Customer Service: Customer service and support are not as good as TurboTax or H&R Block.

Step-by-step Tax Return Help: For the majority of people, the information provided by TurboTax is enough to help them fill out their taxes accurately.

  • QuickBooks Integration: This is great for business owners.
  • Access Professionals: For a fee, you can speak with Enrolled against and CPAs and have them review your tax return.
  • Easy Navigation: TurboTax has a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy for beginners and advanced users alike.
  • Expensive: TurboTax is the most expensive option when we compare TurboTax vs. H&R Block vs. TaxSlayer.
  • Unclear Costs: The final price of using this software is not revealed until you’ve finished going through the process.
  • TurboTax Live is Pricey: Even if you access help using the free version, this feature is expensive.
  • Access to Tax Professionals: Access tax pros via live chat or phone
  • Easy Navigation: H&R Block is incredibly intuitive and easy to navigate
  • Upfront Pricing: You can start your return without providing credit card information, and you always have a rough idea of pricing when you use H&R Block.
  • Fairly Expensive: If you don’t qualify for free filing, your return could be quite pricey.
  • Add-ons Increase the Price: You’ll have to pay extra for features like ‘Audit Support’.
  • State Returns are Expensive: H&R Block charges a hefty sum for state returns.

Although each service caters to someone different, we would say that:

  • H&R Block covers more filers with its free options and is popular amongst freelancers.
  • TaxSlayer is the most budget-friendly of the three options.
  • TurboTax is best for people who require access to human support.

TaxSlayer is great all-around software with competitive pricing, a great user-interface, and a solid reputation.

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