The tax apps you need to download

It’s tax time, which means sorting through stacks of paper and boxes of receipts to get your finances in order.

But what if it didn’t have to be so taxing? Join the digital revolution and try these tax apps come July to save yourself a world of stress and paper.

Australian Taxation Office

Platforms: iOS, Google Play.

Free

The official app of the Australian Taxation Office allows individual taxpayers, small business owners and self-managed super fund trustees to access all the relevant tax, superannuation information and tools in one place.

Features include:

• MyDeductions – record tax-related information such as deductions on the go and upload at tax time or email a copy to your tax agent.
• Calculators – a range of tools and calculators to help you get your tax and superannuation right.
• ABN searches.
• Business performance check tools to compare your business with similar ones.

Mileage logbook by Driversnote

Platforms: iOS, Google Play.

Free

An intelligent vehicle log book which automatically tracks your trips and makes the proper documentation for your mileage claim. The app can be used for both private and business trips as required by the ATO.

Features include:

• Record trips on the go.
• Classify the purpose of the visit and who it was with.
• Submit it easily to the ATO in a compliant logbook.
• Automatic mileage rate calculations.
• Auto tracking with iBeacon.

Squirrel Street Receipt Tracker

Platforms: iOS, Google Play.

Free (Offers in-app purchases)

Maximise your tax deductions and reimbursements in seconds. Formerly known as Shoeboxed Australia, the award-winning app has been featured in countless publications for its quick and easy receipt tracking system.

Features include:

• Transform receipt images into accurate, human-verified data.
• Instantly archive receipts on-the-go.
• Generate email expense reports.
• Export expenses to Xero, MYOB, QBO, Sage, Saasu, Excel, Evernote and dozens of other tools.
• Access a searchable, sortable ATO-registered/NZIRD-accepted archive of your categorised receipts.

Etax Mobile App

Platforms: iOS, Google Play.

Free (Free to download and use, but fees apply to lodge a return)

Built by one of Australia’s leading online tax agent services, the app is designed to make tax easier and to get the best possible tax refund.

Features include:

• Take photos of work-related tax receipts for storage.
• Record a tax deduction or expense anytime.
• Speak to your Etax accountant directly from your phone or tablet.
• Complete your tax return on the go.

The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice and does not take into account any person’s particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives, financial situations and needs.