Tried and tested: Best Mobile Tax Applications

Nowadays, people file their income taxes using online tax preparation websites and their associated smartphone applications. Even if your tax situation is complex, you can now prepare and submit your taxes entirely from your phone or tablet, unlike the early days of e-filing when you needed a full-sized computer or laptop. After filing your taxes, you can also check the status of your refund using mobile tax apps and mobile tax websites. Here are some recommendations and a bit of simple advice on how to pick the finest tax application.

Best Tax Apps for Mobile

If you have ever used a tax preparation service on a desktop computer, you might be curious as to whether the experience would be the same on a smartphone. Yes, to answer briefly. You'll be pleasantly surprised by what the developers of the apps are capable of. Even if the content is condensed and there is less area for large icons and fancy visuals, small screens frequently resemble their desktop equivalents.

1. Best for Overall Tax-Filing Excellence: Intuit TurboTax

To assist you in preparing your tax return, TurboTax provides an excellent user experience by guiding you through an in-depth interview that is simple to understand. TurboTax is pricey, but its worth is increased by its usability, cutting-edge design, and thorough covering of tax-related issues.

PROS

· Excellent user experience

· An in-depth discussion on tax-related topics

· Individualized tax calculation explanations

· Excellent support options and resources online

· Effective security measures

CONS

· Expensive

· Non-Intuit employees provided some of the replies in the online community.

· There are various shortcomings with mobile applications.

2. Best for Context-Sensitive Tax Help-H&R Block

H&R Block offers users complete, user-friendly tax software for logging pertinent earnings, credits, and deductions on their 1040 tax returns. Thanks to its user-friendly interface, wide range of topic coverage, and help tools, it's a great solution for both straightforward and intricate returns.

PROS

· Fantastic user experience and simple navigation

· Always-on, context-aware assistance

· Clear explanations of tax-related concepts

· Great mobile applications

· Optional expert assistance with a fee

· Enhanced user experience

CONS

· No all-encompassing navigational tool

· There is a lot of clicking needed.

· Small performance issue

3. Best for Detailed Itemization-TaxAct

Both novice and seasoned users can utilize TaxAct to walk them through the online tax filing process. Its user interface, navigation options, complete treatment of tax-related subjects, and top-notch final examination of your tax return are its strong points.

PROS

· Optimal user experience

· Topics about taxes are organized logically

· Inquiries about income and deductions

· Extensive support materials in the answer center

· Xpert assist offers free tax advice.

· High-quality mobile applications

CONS

· Some support links take you to IRS papers.

· Not always targeted search results

· Costly filing per state

4. Best for Filing State and Federal Taxes for Free - Cash App Taxes

The majority of IRS forms and schedules for federal and state taxes, including Schedule C, are supported by the free Cash App Taxes. It is the only service we examined that offers thorough preparation and filing without charging a penny. Just don't anticipate as much assistance as what is provided by commercial apps.

PROS

· Quick loading of free pages

· Supports key state and IRS forms and schedules Excellent user interface and navigation

· Able to see PDF tax forms

CONS

· Support is shallow

· Unable to import investment or interest data

· W-2 import restrictions

· No professional tax assistance

5. Best for Tax Filers on a Budget: TaxSlayer

TaxSlayer is a dependable and reasonably priced tax preparation service. For the 2021 tax year, the business has improved the site's assistance system and general user experience and now supports all significant IRS forms and schedules for just $17.

PROS

· Inexpensive

· Fast

· Improved user interface

· Supports all main IRS schedules and forms

· A strong knowledge base

· Greater contextual guidance than before

CONS

· On Q&A screens, there is little contextual assistance

· The amount and caliber of the aid content may be increased.

· Too much reliance on IRS guidelines and materials