Apps make filing less tax-ing
WITH THE tax deadline less than a week away, the clock is ticking for procrastinators who haven’t filed their returns yet.
But if you’re among them, don’t sweat it.
For one thing, you’re in good company.
More than 30 million Americans still haven’t filed, Jackson Hewitt chief tax officer Mark Steber estimates.
And, fortunately, it’s now easier than ever to file at the eleventh hour — wherever you might be — thanks to a host of new mobile tax apps, many of which can be downloaded for free either online or right from your iphone, ipad or Android device.
Here are five Your Money favorites:
IRS2GO
Granted, the name sounds like a restaurant takeout order, but this app unveiled last year by the Internal Revenue Service allows users to track the status of their return and when they can expect a check. Plus, it has tips and a feature that lets you locate the previous year’s returns.
Download it for free at the Apple App Store (apple.com/apps) or the Android Marketplace (android.com/apps).
JH Mobile
At Jackson Hewitt, they’ve got almost every aspect of taxes covered from any iphone, Android or computer.
Their online tax tool, Mytaxmanager, features everything from the latest laws and tax codes to e-filing forms, a glossary of tax terms and questions, and an organizer that lets you scan and upload W-2s, receipts and more.
Their JH Mobile app offers many of the same services, plus a refund estimator and 24/7 real-time alerts about the status of your returns. There are also discounts on last-minute tax preparation and GPS technology to help you find the nearest Jackson Hewitt office.
Both are free at jacksonhewitt.com.
Taxcaster
Wondering whether to plan for a purchase or save up to pay Uncle Sam?
Turbotax’s colorful calculator can estimate how much tax you owe or how big a refund you’ll be getting.
You just need to plug in basic details such as your pay, your withholding and your filing status, and it will provide a ballpark figure almost instantly.
It is available for Apple and Android devices.
H&R Block At Home
This app, available on iphone and Android smartphones, includes preparation of simple federal and state tax returns that’s completely free until April 17.
Filers can complete a 1040EZ by snapping in a photo of their W-2.
Those with more complex tax returns can use the app on an ipad to complete federal 1040 or 1040A forms at no cost.
Snaptax
Turbotax’s super-simple app lets you take a photo of your W-2 and instantly downloads any relevant information onto your iphone or Android device. Users then answer a few questions before reviewing it for accuracy, and also have the option of filing electronically for a fee of $24.99.