IRS2Go Delivers Refund Info and Tax Tips via Smartphone

By Marcia Richards Suelzer, Toolkit Staff Writer

While you might not want to check your tax refund status as often as you check your friends' Facebook status, you can now do both from your smartphone.

The IRS has released IRS2Go, a free application that is available for both the iPhone and Android-powered phones. If you file your return electronically, you can use the IRS2Go app to track the status of your refund starting 72 hours after you receive an email acknowledgment that the IRS has received your tax return. (Those who file paper returns will need to allow three to four weeks before check ing on their refunds.)

• Tip. To track your refund, you'll need to provide some information. You'll need to enter your Social Security number (which will be masked and encrypted for security purposes), the filing status on the return, and the amount of the refund that you expect.

The IRS2Go app not only lets you check the status of your refund check once you've filed your return, but also enables you to receive plain English tax tips that can help you prepare your tax return. The updates cover basic individual income tax topics, such as child tax credits and education credits.

If you have an iPhone, you can download the free IRS2Go application by visiting the Apple App Store. If your smartphone is powered by Android, then you will want to visit the Android Marketplace to download the free IRS2Go app.

Posted January 26, 2011.