Thanks to smartphones, you now have the ability to track your taxes whenever and wherever you want. While there are many app out there that let you access your tax information, there are still a few important things to keep in mind as you figure out which apps to use, and how to use them.
- Privacy
To access your status, many tax tracking apps will need private information from you like your Social Security number. That’s why its important to research each app ahead of time to make sure your information will stay secure. Many apps have a privacy policy that you should review before downloading. Reading other users’ reviews will also give you an idea of how trustworthy the app is.
- Be prepared to wait
While apps can speed up the tax tracking process, some things are not instantaneous. The IRS’ app, IRS2GO , reminds users that there may be a wait when it comes to checking your refund status. Users can check their refund status 24 hours after the IRS acknowledges that it received an e-file return. The wait for mailed paper returns is four weeks. Also, the app is updated once a day so there’s no reason to check multiple times a day.
- Year-Round Use
There are several apps to use year-round that will make filing your taxes remarkably easier. iXpenseIT tracks expenses, receipts and other information that you’ll need once tax season rolls around. Its photo feature lets you make any receipt a digital receipt, making it easier to stay organized. If you’re going on a business trip, Expensify can help you keep track of deductibles like meals and mileages. And speaking of mileages, Mileage Log+ can help you track mileage logs from frequent trips so it’s easier to get a deduction or reimbursement.
