DALLAS, February 18th, 2013 — No amount of technical wizardry is going to make tax day fun. Even when you get money back the process is still usually unpleasant. The best to hope for is to make doing taxes as easy and painless as possible while making sure it is done correctly.
There are a growing number of apps available providing the ease and functionality of traditional tax software and extending it too mobile devices such Android and iPad tablets as well as smartphones. Some of these apps allow you to do your own taxes, file with the IRS, and track your refund.
Here are a few of the best apps to help with your taxes. These include programs that allow you to do your own taxes, as well as ones that give mobile access to online services that do them for you.
TaxCaster
This app from TurboTax won’t do your taxes for you but it will give you a good estimate of how much your return will be. This is the same software used in the TurboTax software and it will also allow you to estimate returns based on additional withholding. This is great to figure out how much or little you should withhold and what to expect in April if you do.
TurboTax
This app will let you do your own taxes. Use your mobile device to take a picture of you W-2 form and the app will begin filling in your information. The software will guide you step by step through the process and help you organize and record your deductions. When you complete the forms, TurboTax will help you e-file your return to help get your refund as quickly as possible.
Although the app is free there is a filing charge once the process is complete.
AskaCPA
This is another app that doesn’t do your taxes for you but offers extremely valuable information to those doing their own taxes. Previous questions and answers are archived creating an impressive knowledge. Users can ask new questions via the app if the information in not otherwise available. Responses are not guaranteed, but the app is free and the information is vast.
H&R Block
The H&R Block apps make up a suite of software that ranges from calculators, self-filing tools, and a powerful app that uploads your tax documents to a tax professional to help answer questions and even file the return for you. The calculator is the strongest feature, offering accurate return projections with a flexible interface. This might save you a trip to the local H&R Block office, and you won’t have to wait in line.
The H&R Block 1040EZ app will let you take a picture of you W-2 and it will fill in the information for you. This can be used if you make less than $100,000.00 per year and have no dependents.
TaxACT
This is a total tax preparation app and offers the same services as http://www.taxact.com/ without needing to use a mobile browser. This includes a calculator, a checklist to organize your tax information, and the ability to track your refund. The app also gives users help center access for any questions that come up.
IRS2Go
It should be no surprise that the IRS has their own app to help out with your taxes. You can monitor your refund and ask questions directly to the IRS via this software but for tax preparation it doesn’t hold up against the many competing apps.
Jon Norwood also writes for www.bankcardfinder.com and can be reached via Google+.
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