IRS Adds Tax Refund Status Tracker to Smartphone App

The Internal Revenue Service has updated and improved its IRS2Go mobile app this tax season, adding new features including a way to track the status of a taxpayer’s tax refund.

Version 4.0 of the app, which works on both Apple and Android devices, has been redesigned. It also provides new features for taxpayers and their preparers to access the latest information to help them in prepare their tax returns.

The new refund status tracker feature offers a way to follow a completed tax return throughout the refund process. Taxpayers enter their Social Security number, which will be masked and encrypted for security purposes, then select their filing status and enter the amount of their anticipated refund for their 2013 tax return. Users can check their refund status 24 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of an e-filed return, or four weeks after mailing a paper return. The IRS cautioned that the tool is updated just once a day, usually overnight, so there is no reason to check more than once a day.

The newest version of the free mobile app offers several ways for taxpayers to access other tools and up-to-date tax information, including the ability for users to request their tax account or tax return transcript from IRS2Go. The transcript will be delivered via U.S. Postal Service to their address of record.

“The new version of IRS2Go provides taxpayers another way to quickly get information and help around the clock,” said IRS commissioner John Koskinen in a statement. “The IRS is focused on providing taxpayers with convenient self-service tools like IRS2Go, which provides details on everything from tax refunds to free tax assistance.”

There have been approximately 3.5 million downloads of IRS2Go since its inception in 2011. iPhone and iPod Touch users can update or download the free IRS2Go application by visiting the iTunes App Store. Android users can visit Google Play to download the free IRS2Go app.

Taxpayers can also use the app to locate the nearest walk-in sites where they can get free help preparing their taxes from volunteer tax preparers. The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly Programs offer free tax help for taxpayers who qualify. However, the IRS itself is no longer providing free tax prep services at its own walk-in Taxpayer Assistance Centers this tax season. Instead, the tool on IRS2Go will help taxpayers find the VITA site nearest to their home by entering their zip code and selecting a mileage range. By clicking on the directions button within the results, the maps application on the device will load with the address to help them navigate to the location.

In addition to the IRS2Go app, taxpayers can interact with the IRS in other ways online by following the IRS on Twitter, @IRSnews or @IRSenEspanol, watch IRS videos on its YouTube channel, signing up for email updates, or by using the Contact Us feature. For more information on IRS2Go, products and services through social media channels and other media products, visit www.IRS.gov.

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