Smartphones Can Now File Taxes
MIAMI (CBS4) -- One of the hottest gadgets on the market today: the Smartphone, is expected to outsell home computers in 2011
One reason may be a new way to submit tax returns. If you're using your computer to figure out your finances and taxes, you now can dial up your tax returns right from your Smartphone.
But are they really smart enough to trust with your taxes?
Nobody likes doing their taxes, but home computers and all the sophisticated software programs on the market right now make it a lot easier to figure out.
It is not a secret that technology is always changing, and Smartphones already are taking over almost everything a computer can do.
Add to that a growing number of Smartphone tax apps are being released for this years' tax season, which ends on Monday, April 18th.
The apps are being published by a growing number of big-name tax companies.
They claim, from the comfort of your own phone, they can help you put together your tax return and even E-file it to the Internal Revenue Service.
But some home financial planners say, "Not so fast!"
Josh Mungavin of Coral Gables-based Evensky & Katz Financial Planners said, " Most people can go to the IRS website and fill out their tax returns and E-file it for free. The keyboards and screens (on the Smartphone) are a lot bigger and it's a lot easier working on all those figures than working on your phone screen."
If you still want to try, and don't mind the small screen and tiny keyboards, look for tax apps that also offer tax tips either online or on the phone. They're handy in case you need case you need any help.
Make sure it also can E-file your return. Don't forget about checking out any security features they may include, since you'll be storing and sending your most personal financial data.
You should also consider double-checking the store reviews offered by other customers who have purchased them online.
CBSMiami.com Webmaster Dave Game, a long-time Tech Guru, warns consumers to check out the reviews before buying Smartphones to see what is being said about their performance.
The Smartphone tax apps are available for I-Phone and Android platforms. They usually cost less than $10, and many are offered for free.
Don't forget, their cost is probably Tax Deductible.
Before trying to file your taxes by Smartphone, you still need to know standard tax information in order to complete your filing.
But, if you have many deductions or investments, or any other tax complications, you may need to file a more complicated tax return and consider the advice of a tax professional.
