Wilmington CPA comments on IRS Reach Out Programs | IRS2go and more

IRS.gov used to be the only source of general IRS and tax information. It still makes all IRS tax forms and publications available. But they’re a bit dry. The IRS actually looks at how taxpayers obtain information and is expanding its public relations and information programs. It has a number of cutting edge outreach programs. Here’s a partial list of recent developments with the actual IRS promos beneath.

If the IRS supplied information isn’t enough, and you need expert tax preparation from a Wilmington NC CPA firm, please call us at 399-2705.

• A new iPhone and Android app, IRS2go which can track your tax refund. Also offers tax updates.
• The IRS can Twitter you on important issues.
• Daily tax tips by E Mail.
• Audio Podcasts on specific tax topics. With written transcripts. P erhaps to augment your understanding of existing publications.
• YouTube. Short tax topics in multiple languages including ASL. Very cool.
• Widgets. Web site applications for tax preparers and IRS Partners. We’ll be checking these out ourselves.
• Small business educational events.
• Webcasts.
• Virtual work shops.
• Video series on IRS tax audits. On our tax preparation on subsequent documentation on specific industries and professions, say the Clergy, we sometimes use their Agent’s audit guides. These are posted on IRS.gov by industry and profession. Which can be extremely insightful, helping us pick up flaws in the federal tax return.

Here’s the actual IRS blurbs;

IRS Goes Mobile With IRS2Go

IRS has launched IRS2Go, a smartphone application that lets you interact with the IRS using your mobile device. IRS2Go reflects IRS’ commitment to help you get the information you need—whenever you need it, wherever you are.

Get Your Refund Status

You can check the status of your federal income tax refund using IRS2Go. Simply enter your Social Security number, which will be masked and encrypted for security purposes, then select your filing status and enter the amount of your anticipated refund from your 2010 tax return. If you e-file your return, you can check your refund status within a few days. If you file a paper tax return, you will need to wait three to four weeks to check your refund status because it takes longer to process a paper return.

Get Tax Updates

You can also use IRS2Go to subscribe to filing season tax updates by entering your e-mail address to automatically get daily tax tips. Tax Tips can help you with your tax planning and preparation needs. They are issued daily during the tax filing season and periodically during the rest of the year. The plain English updates cover topics such as free tax help, child tax credits, the Earned Income Tax Credit, education credits and other topics.

Follow the IRS

Finally, you can use IRS2Go to sign up to follow the IRS Twitter news feed, @IRSnews. IRSnews provides the latest federal tax news, including information about tax law changes and important IRS programs.

Download the IRS2Go App

If you have an Apple iPhone or iTouch, you can download the free IRS2Go app by visiting the iTunes app store. If you have an Android device, you can visit the Android Marketplace to download the free IRS2Go app.

IRS New Media

YouTube

• IRSvideos

• IRSvideos in American Sign Language (ASL)

• IRSvideos Multilingual

• Taxpayer Advocate Service

Twitter

• IRS News

• Tax Professionals

• IRS en Espanol

• IRS Recruitment

• Taxpayer Advocate

iTunes

• IRS Podcasts

Widgets

• IRS Widgets on Marketing Express

Connect with the IRS

The IRS uses new and social media tools to share the latest information on tax changes, initiatives, products and services.

The IRS participates on the following social media platforms, including:

• YouTube ― The IRS has video channels that provide short, informative videos on various tax related topics in English, American Sign Language (ASL) and a variety of foreign languages.

• Twitter ― IRS tweets include various tax-related announcements, news for tax professionals and hiring initiatives.

Additionally, the IRS has developed its own new media tools to help share important tax information.

Audio files for Podcasts

The IRS creates audio files for use in podcasts. These short audio recordings provide useful information on one tax related topic. The audio files and their transcripts can be found in the Multimedia Center on IRS.gov. These files are also available as podcasts on iTunes.

Widgets

Widgets are tools that can be placed on websites, blogs or social media networks to direct others to IRS.gov for information. The IRS has developed a variety of widgets that feature the latest tax initiatives and programs. These widgets can be found on Marketing Express, the marketing site that allows IRS partners and tax preparers to customize their IRS communications products.