TaxSlayer Self-Employed
Affordable tax software built for freelancers and 1099 workers.
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TaxSlayer Self-Employed is a budget-friendly online tax filing solution specifically designed for freelancers, independent contractors, and gig workers. It covers Schedule C, home office deductions, mileage, and all standard self-employment deductions at a price point well below TurboTax. A strong value pick for freelancers with moderate complexity.
Our Scores
4.2
Ease of Use
4.1
Features
4.6
Value
3.9
Support
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Significantly cheaper than TurboTax for comparable Schedule C coverage
- ✓Handles all major self-employment deductions (home office, mileage, equipment)
- ✓State return included in base price
- ✓Ask a Tax Pro feature available for questions
- ✓Clean, easy-to-follow guided interview
Cons
- ✗Less polished UI than TurboTax
- ✗No direct import from accounting software
- ✗Live expert support is an add-on, not standard
- ✗Fewer integrations than TurboTax
Best For
- →Budget-conscious freelancers who need Schedule C
- →Gig workers with straightforward self-employment income
- →Those who find TurboTax too expensive
- →Self-employed filers with basic to moderate complexity
Not Ideal For
- ✗Freelancers with very complex tax situations
- ✗Those who want live CPA support built in
- ✗QuickBooks Self-Employed users (no direct import)
Pricing
Self-Employed
$53
federal + state
- ✓Schedule C
- ✓1099 income
- ✓Home office deduction
- ✓Mileage deduction
- ✓All self-employment deductions
- ✓State return included
Self-Employed + Pro Support
$103
federal + state
- ✓Everything above
- ✓Unlimited questions to a tax pro
- ✓Audit defense
- ✓Priority support
Estimate Your Tax Bill First
Use our free quarterly tax calculator to estimate how much you owe before filing.
Free Quarterly Tax Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
How does TaxSlayer Self-Employed compare to TurboTax?
TaxSlayer Self-Employed costs about $76 less than TurboTax Self-Employed for equivalent coverage. Both handle Schedule C well. TurboTax has a more guided experience and QuickBooks integration; TaxSlayer wins on price.
Does TaxSlayer Self-Employed include state filing?
Yes. TaxSlayer Self-Employed includes one state return in its base price, which is better value than TurboTax where state filing is an additional $49-59.
Can I deduct my home office with TaxSlayer?
Yes. TaxSlayer Self-Employed fully supports the home office deduction using both the simplified method ($5/sq ft) and the regular method (actual expense calculation).
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Tax Information Notice
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Tax laws change frequently. Always consult a qualified CPA or Enrolled Agent for your specific situation.