The Internal Revenue Service has announced the release of IRS2Go 5.0, the latest version of its mobile app.
IRS Commissioner John Koskinen touted the update, saying, "The new version of IRS2Go provides taxpayers another way to quickly get information and help around the clock. The IRS is focused on providing taxpayers with convenient self-service tools like IRS2Go, but it’s important to remind taxpayers to only use official IRS products to safeguard their personal information."
You can use IRS2Go to find free tax preparation services, including an IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and/or the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) site near you. Simply enter your zip code and select a mileage range. You’ll be given a range of options with distance, hours, dates, languages and appointment details (if required) for each. To find the location that works for you, just click on “directions” and the maps app on your phone will help you get where you need to go.
You can connect with IRS on social media with a few clicks in the app. You can follow the IRS on
There’s also a link to IRS phone numbers and hours of operation but you’ll probably only visit the "Contact Us" page if you’re absolutely desperate: the IRS only anticipates answering about half of their calls this year.
Screenshot of IRS2Go 5.0, taken from my Samsung Galaxy 5 using Droid version 4.4.2 (yes, it's true,... [+]
And, of course, you can check on the status of your tax refund with a few clicks. Simply enter your Social Security number (masked and encrypted for security purposes), select your filing status and the amount of your anticipated refund. A status tracker is included so you can see where your tax return is in the process. If you filed your return electronically, you can check your refund status within 24 hours after IRS indicates receipt of your return. If you file a paper tax return, you’ll need to wait longer – usually about four weeks but for 2015, expect at least an additional week. There’s no need to check throughout the day: records are only updated by IRS once per day, usually overnight.
If you're resisting the updates, consider yourself on notice: versions of the app prior to 4.2 will no longer be able to check refund status.
No, I'm not forgetting anything: the latest update of the app does not allow you to request your tax return or tax account transcript online anymore. That feature has been stripped for version 5.0. The IRS did not specifically address the reason for yanking the feature but some of us weren't so surprised to hear the news. Rumors have been circulating that the IRS wasn't happy with the feature with some suggesting that prior year refund snafus resulted in a dramatic increase in transcript requests because it was oh-so-easy using the app. Now, you can't order your transcript over your smartphone but you can still request one like you used to: simply call 1.800.908.9946 or submit form 4506T-EZ, Short Form Request for Individual Tax Return Transcript.
IRS2Go is available for free on your iPhone (compatible with iOS8) or your Droid in both English and Spanish.
