IRS pumps up iPhone, Android app for tax savvy

IRS2Go Apple, Android smartphone app has had 350,000 downloads adds YouTube news features

The first version of the Internal Revenue Service's IRS2Go smartphone app had 350,000 downloads and while that doesn't make it the Angry Birds of the taxpaying set, the new version could be even more popular.

More news: White House fires-up science/technology extravaganza

IRS2Go 2.0 is an expanded version of its smartphone app for Apple and Android users that adds a YouTube feature, news feed and tax transcript service in addition to existing tools, such as checking on the status of a tax refund.

According to the IRS, new release includes three new tools:

• Watch Us. Which lets you view IRS YouTube videos on their smartphones. The videos provide short, informative features on a variety of tax topics. The channel ranks as the fourth most viewed channel among more than 125 federal government YouTube channels. IRS also has YouTube channels available in multilingual and American Sign Language.
• Get the Latest News. With this tool, users can have the latest IRS news releases delivered to their phones as it becomes available.
• Get My Tax Record. Taxpayers can now order their tax return transcript from the IRS2Go app. The transcript will be delivered via the U.S. Postal Service to their address of record.

Tools included from version 1.0 include"

• Get Your Refund Status. Taxpayers can check the status of their federal tax refund through the phone app with a few basic pieces of information. An updated refund status is available about three days after the IRS acknowledges receipt of an e-filed return, or four weeks after mailing a paper return.
• Get Tax Updates. Phone app users enter their e-mail address to automatically receive simple, straightforward tips and reminders to help with tax planning and preparation. Tax Tips are issued daily during the filing season and periodically throughout the rest of the year.
• Follow the IRS. Taxpayers can sign up to follow the IRS Twitter newsfeed, @IRSnews, which provides easy-to-use information, including updates on tax law changes and important IRS programs

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