The only redeeming value is that this app replaces the IRS phone number which is  needed  for you to learn the status of your refund. To sum up, the app gives you access to your account, informs you of your IRS refund status and emails you tax content.The name of this app is IRS2Go.

This IRS refund status app replaces  a computerized recording that would inform you of your refund status or access to a human if you were able to speak to someone. So don’t have any high hopes of this app having great Web 2.0 technology that might let you scan your W-2 to the IRS instead of filing Form 1040EZ or 1040A. You can check your IRS refund status within a few days only if you e-file.. If you mail your tax return instead of using e-fil, you will have  to wait three to four weeks before you can follow up on your IRS refund statu.

IRS2Go Summary  -  Brief Summary of the IRS Refund Status App

This IRS refund status app contains  the following options/functionality(if you want to call it functionality) “Get Your Refund Status,” “Get Tax Updates,” “Follow Us” and “Contact Us” options. By signing up for tax updates provided by the Internal Revenue Service you will automatically get daily tax tips that are helpful and written in plain English. You should consider for your tax planning and preparation needs reading the IRS tax tips. The IRS provides free and helpful content that should be read as your prepare your tax return. These updates are in plain English not in tax code legal jargon. Tax updates are sent by email, rather than residing in the app or in some type of FAQ format or simple database. They should ask Google about integrating some of their IRS instructions and publications into Google Reader while providing the taxpayer relevant content specific to the taxpayer’s particular tax situation. I am sure Google would love that. Wouldn’t it be great if the IRS could match relevant content based on the taxpayers prior or current preliminary tax filing  by giving them relevant content, that they might otherwise not have, and how much mileage Google would get if they worked with the IRS was able to provide this service.. Another thoght, should Google  replace the current IRS email system with Gmail and then write code for Google Reader to integrate with this IRS refund status app.

Security Concerns for the IRS Refund Status App

The IRS website says that privacy and security are paramount and there is brief privacy notice in the app.  The IRS website says that your information will be masked and encrypted for security purpose. Until we learn more about the security certifications it may be possible that phone carriers will be able to view your filing status and refund data and how secure is you SS # that you just entered into your  app to access your account. ? If your phone is lost,  will another person be able to see your tax information? Using the IRS phone number does offer greater security protection if this risk is a concern to you.

Despite my comments, the  IRS refund status app is a huge step for the IRS to automate the refund checking process and will save taxpayers time resulting from calling the  IRS phone number. Many online tax preparation services provide a web based service for your to prepare your tax return online and offer this refund tracking service for free which enables you to monitor your IRS refund status from their website. If you have a simple return and your adjusted gross income is $58,000 or less you may be able to File Free from the IRS website or otherwise you will have to pay a fee to use one of these competively priced online tax preparation services, who offer competive pricing. iphone and Android users file early and get that refund working for you and track it using the IRS refund status app.If you don’t have one of these smart phones than you may be able to use the software that you used to file your tax return.