Updated IRS smartphone app IRS2Go version 4.0 now available

The Internal Revenue Service says IRS2Go 4.0 is now available to taxpayers. This is an update to its smartphone application with new features available in both English and Spanish.

The redesigned IRS2Go provides new features for taxpayers to access the latest information to help them in the preparation of their tax returns.

IRS2Go 4.0 highlights the addition of an innovative new refund status tracker, an easy-to-use feature to follow your tax return throughout the process.

There have been about 3.5 million downloads of IRS2Go since its inception in 2011, according to an IRS news release. iPhone and iPod Touch users can update or download the free IRS2Go application by visiting the iTunes App Store. Android users can visit Google Play to download.

The newest version offers a number of safe and secure ways for taxpayers to access other popular tools and the most up-to-date tax information, including:

· Refund Status. Taxpayers can check the status of their federal tax refund through IRS2Go. People simply enter their Social Security number, which will be masked and encrypted for security purposes, then select their filing status and enter the amount of their anticipated refund for their 2013 tax return.

Users can check their refund status 24 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of an e-filed return, or four weeks after mailing a paper return. The IRS reminds taxpayers the tool is updated just once a day, usually overnight, so there is no reason to check more than once a day.

· Free Tax Prep Providers. The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Programs offer free tax help for taxpayers who qualify.

This brand new tool on IRS2Go will help taxpayers find the nearest VITA site to their home by entering their zip code and selecting a mileage range. By clicking on the directions button within the results, the maps application on the device will load with the address, making it easy to navigate to your desired location.

· Tax Records. Taxpayers can request their tax account or tax return transcript from IRS2Go. The transcript will be delivered via U.S. Postal Service to their address of record.

· Stay Connected. Taxpayers can interact with the IRS by following the IRS on Twitter, @IRSnews or @IRSenEspanol, watching helpful videos on YouTube, signing up for email updates, or by using the Contact Us feature.

For more information on IRS2Go, products and services through social media channels and other media products, visit http://www.IRS.gov.