TurboTax SnapTax

CNET Editors' review

by: CNET staff on March 27, 2013

Taxpayers who file the 1040EZ income tax form have always had it easier, at least when it comes to the paperwork. They've long enjoyed the ability to file electronically, for instance. Things just got even easier for 1040EZ users, thanks to TurboTax SnapTax, a free Android app from one of the biggest and most trusted names in tax preparation, especially online tax prep and e-filing. With SnapTax, you can file your 2012 federal income tax returns using your Android smartphone, or tablet, or any device running Android, so long as it has a high-resolution camera. Simply take snapshots of your W-2s and other forms, answer some simple questions, and then, when you're ready, share your finished tax form with your new social media buddy, the IRS.

SnapTax is much simpler than the free filing options offered by TurboTax and similar tax services, in part because it's an Android app, not Webware, and there are limits to what it can do. Nevertheless, opening its Settings revealed some important options, such as the ability to create or sign in to a TurboTax account, transfer data to TurboTax Online, and delete saved data and restart the process. SnapTax breaks the process down into three steps: Step 1, Snap Photos. You take the clearest possible photos you can of your W-2 forms and other tax records, including 1099-INT (for interest income) 1099-G (for unemployment income) and Student Loan Interest. There's also an option to enter other forms not covered by the app. The software identifies and enters the forms for you. Step 2, Tell Us About You, involves answering simple questions to establish your personal and financial data. SnapTax enters and crunches the numbers, and then estimates your taxes in Step 3, Preview Your Taxes. When you're ready to file, press File Your Taxes. The rest is just like e-filing.

For those who have simple filing needs, SnapTax is a simple way to get those taxes completed and filed. SnapTax is recommended for any user who files the 1040EZ.