In fact, they are the epitome of convenience as not only do they typically provide all the features found in their browser-based counterparts but they are also equipped with extras that can reduce the time spent on tax preparation even further. And if that’s not enough, these applications always come free of charge and are available for everyone that decides to create tax returns with an online solution.
The best mobile tax filing apps
When it comes to selecting the best app for filing taxes, it’s best to keep two things in mind. Firstly, regardless of which tax software company is chosen, its program will likely be at least mobile browser-compatible. And secondly, only the biggest service providers have dedicated tax prep apps that come with complementary features and/or advanced security.
Tax prepping on the go
If you have already familiarized yourself with the chosen tax prep software, then luckily learning how to use the app version won’t take too long. The reason for this is simple: these apps are often replicas of the desktop-based equivalents, utilizing an almost-identical overall appearance, ease of use, or list of available features. Tax prep apps are particularly advantageous because of their use of cloud-based technology, meaning that because data is continuously saved once it’s entered users can freely switch from the desktop software to the app and vice versa at any time with no loss of work.
Many tax prep apps even add in some especially convenient features to perfectly complement the main software. This includes push notifications to alert users of important events like filing deadlines or the status of returns and extra security settings with fingerprint or FaceID login or the prevention of screen capture. However, by far the best complementary feature of tax preparation applications is the option to capture W-2s with the phone’s camera and then have them processed by the app to transfer the data automatically, significantly reducing the time needed for manual data entry.
Mobile app vs desktop software for tax preparation
With the exception of some extra features, there are little to no differences between apps and their software counterparts. In fact, in most cases apps are completely interchangeable with desktop software and the mobile website versions of the same programs. Despite that, however, it’s better to consider a tax prep app as complementary to the main program rather than a replacement of it.
The reason for this is because some apps – TaxSlayer’s, for example – only concentrate on the most important tax topics, leaving taxpayers that have more complex tax situations with no choice but to use the desktop software to complete returns. Also, return preparation still requires a lot of manual data entry that, let’s face it, just isn’t as convenient on mobile devices.
As a complementary solution, however, the app is still a helpful tool. As already mentioned, the app can be used to capture printed W-2s, which can then be corrected and completed in the desktop software. Additionally, apps can be used to better organize your time spent on filling out returns by, for instance, answering simpler tax-related questions in the app and leaving the more complex topics to be dealt with in the desktop software later.
How tax prep apps help you out
Since both desktop tax programs and their app counterparts use the same database, they also share features like straightforward questionnaires and short, helpful explanations that these solutions are known for. Although this basic level of support is usually enough for those who aren’t filing more complicated returns, there may be instances when there is no other option but to turn to the staff of the app’s provider. Thankfully, users can turn to the chosen company’s tax experts in the same way that they would if they used the desktop version of the software.
However, the same set of support options also means that unless the tax company has a special feature that allows you to start a live chat with a tax professional – which may only be available during tax seasons – the only way to get live help is via email or by phone. However, there are special cases like that of TurboTax, which also provides SmartLook; this feature allows users to connect to a certified CPA and get real-time help via onscreen instructions.
Zoltán G.
Adam B.
