As tax filing has evolved from the days of paper and ledgers to electronic filing, it was only a matter of time before the tax community would also embrace the use of mobile technology. While tax season is not eagerly anticipated by many, individuals and businesses alike now welcome many new technologies that make the preparation and filing process easier, even mobile apps.
Today there’s a mobile app for almost everything to help busy people simplify and organize life. Consumers can organize and safeguard online passwords and manage benefits gained through various retail loyalty programs. They can confidentially track health records and save grocery shopping lists and menus for ease of future shopping.
The tax preparation community has responded in kind, with developers creating mobile apps from receipt-scanning service Shoeboxed to charitable deduction tracker and calculator ItsDeductible, an offshoot of TurboTax.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has had a mobile presence since 2011. Recently, the agency announced the update of the app, called IRS2Go, version 5.0. The newest version of the app allows filers to keep track of their returns, stay on top of deadlines and also read the two IRS Twitter feeds. IRS2Go 5.0 allows users to view instructional YouTube videos explaining commonly asked filing questions. Each update to the app also includes improved error reporting.
Last month, technology bloggers on mobile technology website GottaBeMobile previewed updates of popular apps noted for easing the burden of tax filing for consumers. The IRS2Go app was noted one of the top five apps for making tax time easier.
The app is available on both GooglePlay and the App Store. The IRS recommends consumers who already have version 4.2 should install 5.0 to ensure continued updates and enhancements. Interested new users can access customer reviews of the IRS2Go app on CNET and apptweak.com. While customer reviews by laypeople can be useful to help the user experience, if consumers have questions about their individual returns they should consult a qualified professional or reach the IRS directly through its call center, website, or via social channels.
April 15 will be here before we know it. IRS2Go is sure to remind us!
