Well it’s that time of year again that many of us hate, tax time. Doing your tax return is complicated, time consuming, stressful and frankly something that could be done quicker and easier by a professional accountant. Even if you do use a tax agent; you still need to keep all your paperwork in order, in once place where you can find it at the end of the financial year, and there is not guarantee that you won’t forget something that could bring you further returns. Australian company Etax have a plan – They’ve launched an app to lodge your 2014 – 2015 tax return and ultimately manage your tax progressively through the next financial year.
Note: Etax is a commercial company and should not be confused with the Australian Tax Office e-tax program. Etax are not in any way associated beyond the similar name – just good marketing.
The app has a few really well planned out functions
- File your receipts – Simply snap a photo and upload your receipts with a reason for deduction
- Record work expenses – No receipt, no problem; add an item, cost and deduction type
- Send messages to your accountant – much like email, but no need to search for it later because all messages are attached to your account in chronological order
- Lodge your tax return – Enter the details of your 2014 – 2015 year and submit online, minimal fuss and bother
Etax state on their site that
Please note: When you lodge your tax return via the Etax Mobile App you will get the normal Etax Accountants service which includes checking by two qualified accountants, plus the confidence of knowing that Etax.com.au, Australia’s favourite online tax agent, has handled your tax return.
The Mobile app tax return is part of the Etax Fast tax return, with a fee starting at $67.90. This includes a full tax agent service backed by over 25 years’ experience to ensure your return is accurate and that you get the best possible refund.
I can confirm that for me, they got better returns than the standard government app I downloaded and the “cost of managing tax affairs” can be claimed the following year, so it’s worth it in the long run. Having dealt with taxation accountants in the past (not the most thrilling people I’ve met, but lovely all the same) it is great to see an accounting firm moving progressively with technology into the mobile computing era.
Editors Note:
Ausdroid does not advocate for using eTax, this article is based on Phils personal experience with the app. We recommend that everyone perform their own research and get independent advise for their own personal needs before embarking on any endeavour to do with their personal finances.
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What toys will you be spending your tax cheque on this year?
