TurboTax SnapTax

CNET Editors' review

by: CNET Staff on February 17, 2012

If your tax situation is simple (no children, don't own a home, income under $100K, and so on), then you are likely filing a 1040EZ this April. If that's the case, then you may want to think about filing your taxes right from your mobile device.

With the TurboTax SnapTax app, you can fill out your 1040EZ tax form right on your phone or tablet. The app can even enter income information using your device's camera.

Before getting started, SnapTax asks if you'd like to create an account. You can work without one, which is nice, but the downside is that you won't be able to save your work as you go. Also, if you do create an account, you can then transfer your financial info to TurboTax Online if necessary. In any case, you can continue to fill out your tax forms in the app, all for free, and you won't have to pay until you actually decide to file.

Similar to TurboTax, the SnapTax app provides a simple interface for completing your tax form. Questions are divided into logical categories, and most importantly, the app doesn't use any of the complicated IRS jargon that normally scares people into the arms of an accountant. Plus, as you answer questions, the app keeps a running tally of both your federal and state tax refunds.

One of the big advantages of using SnapTax is that it also lets you quickly input information using your device's camera. In most cases, you can snap a photo of your W-2 forms, and watch the app automatically populate your 1040EZ. To use this feature, you need a high-quality camera, and I can't promise it will be able to read every W-2.

Overall, SnapTax is a great app for those taxpayers out there with extremely simple tax situations. It makes 1040EZ filing less intimidating, and it even simplifies the process by letting you photograph your W-2 forms. But be aware: if there is anything even slightly complicated about your last fiscal year, the app may prompt you to continue filing using its bigger brother TurboTax Online. Luckily, if that's the case, the app can easily transfer your info over, so long as you've created an account.

Publisher's Description

From Intuit:

Magically do your taxes on your phone with the snap of a photo. ITS SO SIMPLE: 1 - Snap a photo of your W-22 - Answer a few simple questions3 - Review, pay, and e-file securely! See the magic at snaptaxvideo.com Fed + State Returns only $19.99!(Free E-file Included) Start for Free Pay When Youre Done FOR PEOPLE WITH: Income of $80k or less ($100k if married) Income only from W-2s, interest, or unemployment No dependents No home or real estate ownership Android version 2.1 and above ___________________________From the makers of TurboTax Maximum (Biggest) Refund Guaranteed: turbotax.intuit.com/corp/guarantees.jsp 100% Accurate Guaranteed: turbotax.intuit.com/corp/guarantees.jspRecent changes:End of Tax season close out notice.Tax season close out notice.Content rating: Everyone

What's new in this version: End of Tax season close out notice.Tax season close out notice.

View larger image

 

LogMeIn Free

Access your computer from anywhere securely. 100% free.

Download Now