IRS ADDS TAX REFUND STATUS TRACKER TO SMARTPHONE APP
Washington, D.C. -- The Internal Revenue Service has updated and improved its IRS2Go mobile app this tax season. It added several 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 to give taxpayers and preparers the access to the latest information that will help them with their tax returns.
The new feature allows taxpayers to follow their completed tax return throughout the refund process. Taxpayers enter their Social Security number, which will be masked and encrypted, then select their filing status and enter the amount of their anticipated refund. 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.
The newest version of the free mobile app gives users the ability 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.
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.
In addition to the IRS2Go app, taxpayers can interact with the IRS on Twitter, @IRSnews or @IRSenEspanol, by watching IRS videos on its YouTube channel, by signing up for e-mail updates, or by using the Contact Us feature.
