Smart phone app lets taxpayers track refund status

A new smart phone app that can be used to check on tax refund is the agency's first in a new strategy to communicate with taxpayers.

The IRS2Go phone app can be downloaded free from the Apple App Store, or from Android Marketplace.

Taxpayers enter a Social Security number to, then pick the filing status they used on their tax return. The final step is to enter the amount of the refund they expect from their 2010 tax return.

For e-filers, the smartphone app can access and provide information within 72 hours after the taxpayer gets the e-mail acknowledgement that the IRS received their tax returns.

The Social Security number is masked and encrypted by the smart phone app for security purposes.

Phone app users can also enter their e-mail address to automatically get daily tax tips.

IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman said the agency will look for more ways to expand and refine the use of smartphones and other technologies to meet taxpayer needs. The agency is already providing a Twitter news feed, @IRSnews, that provides news on changes in federal tax laws and other information about IRS programs.

"This phone app is a first step for us," IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman said. He said the agency will look for more ways to expand and refine its use of smart phones and other new technologies to help meet the needs of taxpayers.