Free Federal & State Tax Filing for Simple Returns
Last seen Oct 20
See details
Valid for simple tax situations only (no dependents, under age 65, and standard deduction). Applies to basic returns with standard deduction and no dependents. Includes one complimentary state return with qualifying free plan.
TaxSlayer sells online tax software for federal and state e-file, with Simply Free, Classic, Premium, Self-Employed and Military editions.
The rule that matters most is timing. Fees become non-refundable once you choose Print or File, so settle on the right edition, and any discount, before you reach that step.
TaxSlayer has been in the tax business for 60 years, and its software covers filers from W-2 earners with a basic return to rental property owners, investors and people reporting cryptocurrency. New users can upload last year's return to get started, and eligible W-2 and 1099 forms can be imported so income fills in automatically.
The paid tiers differ mainly in help. Classic includes all forms, credits and itemized deductions; Premium adds live chat, priority phone and email help and access to Ask a Tax Pro; Self-Employed targets contractors and side businesses with Schedule C guidance and reminders for quarterly estimated payments. Simply Free is limited to filers under 65 who use the standard deduction and have taxable income of $100,000 or less. Its maximum refund guarantee returns the fee paid if another tax product yields a bigger refund, on a written claim within 60 days (Simply Free excluded).
When shoppers look for TaxSlayer coupons
TaxSlayer coupon searches peak in April, about 5× a typical month, and dip lowest in December.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
US Google searches, Oct 2025 to Sep 2026. Search interest, not sales.
What payment methods does TaxSlayer accept?
Pay by credit or charge card, or have fees taken from your federal refund with File & Go, which adds a $41.99 processing fee.
More about shopping at TaxSlayer
Editions and prices
Classic is $44.99, Premium $64.99 and Self-Employed $74.99 for the federal return, set when you print or e-file and subject to change.
State returns
Each state return adds $47.99 on paid editions, while Simply Free includes one state return at no cost.
Simply Free eligibility
It's for filers under 65 who take the standard deduction, with $100,000 or less in taxable income and $1,500 or less in taxable interest.
Fee refunds
Ask within 90 days of payment, for the current season only; returns rejected by the IRS or a state get no refund.
Maximum Refund Guarantee
If other tax software shows a bigger refund or smaller tax due, TaxSlayer refunds your price; claim in writing within 60 days.
Track record
TaxSlayer has been in business for 60 years and also offers a 100% accuracy guarantee.
TaxSlayer sets your price at the moment you print or e-file, and that's also when the fee stops being refundable.
So any discount needs to be in place before you choose Print or File.
Check your situation against Simply Free first: if you're under 65, take the standard deduction and stay within its income and interest limits, the federal return and one state return cost nothing, and no code can beat that.
Otherwise, pick the lowest paid edition that covers your forms, since each extra state return adds $47.99.
At payment, choosing a card instead of File & Go keeps the $41.99 Refund Transfer fee off your bill.
More ways to save at TaxSlayer
The cheapest return here is the one that fits Simply Free, so read its eligibility rules before upgrading.
If you do pay, the Maximum Refund Guarantee returns your price when another tax program produces a larger refund, as long as you claim in writing within 60 days; Simply Free filers can't use it.
Paying the fee up front by card avoids the $41.99 File & Go charge.
Service members can look at the Military edition, which TaxSlayer lists alongside its paid tiers.
TaxSlayer questions, answered
Is TaxSlayer Simply Free actually free?
Simply Free covers a federal return and one state return for simple tax situations at no charge. It's limited to filers under 65 taking the standard deduction, with $100,000 or less in taxable income.
Are TaxSlayer fees refundable?
Refund requests must come within 90 days of payment and only for the current tax season. Once you choose Print or File, fees are non-refundable, and IRS or state rejections don't qualify.
How much does a TaxSlayer state return cost?
Each state return costs $47.99 on the paid editions. Simply Free includes one state return.
What does File & Go cost on TaxSlayer?
Paying your prep fees out of your federal refund adds a $41.99 Refund Transfer processing fee. A credit or charge card avoids it.
How does the TaxSlayer Maximum Refund Guarantee work?
If another tax software gives you a larger refund or smaller tax due, TaxSlayer refunds the price you paid. Claims go in writing within 60 days of filing, and Simply Free is excluded.
Which TaxSlayer edition covers self-employment income?
The Self-Employed edition costs $74.99 for the federal return. State returns are $47.99 each on top.
35% offGet 35% off Everything - Shop Sitewide and Save...