I’m all about convenience but, when I saw the tax commercial about mobile filing I had to do a double take! It looks so easy and seems user friendly but my paranoia started to set in. I’ve been to the tax preparers office to handle my taxes for years. I like to see what’s done and I feel a sense of comfort knowing that even though they may file my taxes electronically I get to meet with a my tax preparer and I get a guarantee that my information is being kept confidential and all the information is accurate. Taking a picture of my W-2 really gives me pause! I mean I wouldn’t take a picture of my birth certificate or social security card. I think because my personal information, social security number and all employment information is on it gives me an uneasy feeling and I love apps of convenience. I even bank online and use an app but, I did everything in the branch and just downloaded the app. I already had a username and password and all my personal information was entered by my personal banker on her computer in front of me. So, the fact that I have to start an account myself and input all my personal information through an app just feels so weird.

In case you were under the same rock I was… You can download mobile tax apps to your iPhone, Android phone or iPad tablet – they are easy to download, easy to install and easy to use. I’m tempted to try it but this just seems too convenient. The two I have been looking at are Turbo Tax (Snap Tax) and H&R Block Mobile Tax Apps. I guess it would somewhat be the equivalent to doing your own taxes at home yourself from your desktop and e-filing but, I’ve never even done that! I’ve always gotten my taxes done by a preparer. I read the reviews on both mentioned apps and of course they are mixed because nothing is ever perfect but, I’d like to know firsthand from someone I know, whether it be online or in real life. So I have a few questions… Do you file your taxes yourself? If so, do you file your taxes using a mobile device? If you have filed by mobile, what was your experience? Did you have any privacy issues (which seems to be my biggest issue)? Did you have any reservations before filing your taxes yourself, especially if you filed mobile? I know that technology is ever evolving and we love convenience but, I wonder if there are certain things we should just leave alone and keep doing them the old fashioned way. I like CPA’s and Tax Specialists!

I do understand that these businesses still make a profit by either the app sales, if it’s not free or the tax fee that’s associated with filing electronically if that isn’t waived either . I’m just torn about this and I’m the queen of convenience. Please weigh in on this conversation and tell me how you feel. Am I overreacting? Take a look at some screen shots for filing mobile and give me your thoughts. If you’d like to check out more information on the mentioned mobile tax apps, head on over to Turbo Tax Mobile or Free H&R Block Tax Apps!