IRS Stays in Touch With Twitter, YouTube, Apps

The IRS is making it easy to stay on top of your taxes, whether you’re always on the go, simply prefer to get your information online, or maybe you just love paying the government (yeah, we know … that’s a stretch).

Regardless of your motives, you can now get the latest tax information, initiatives, products and services via your favorite social media platform. If you have a smartphone, there’s an IRS app. If you like to watch videos, the agency has dozens of helpful clips on YouTube. And the IRS is on Twitter and Facebook, too. Here’s what each platform offers:

IRS2Go -- The IRS recently launched a smartphone application that allows you to interact with the IRS from your mobile device. The app, available for the iPhone or iTouch and the Android, can help you get your refund status and tax updates.

YouTube -- The IRS offers short, informative videos on an assortment of tax-related topics through its YouTube Video channel. The videos are offered in English, American Sign Language and a variety of foreign languages.

Twitter -- IRS tweets include tax-related announcements, news for tax professionals and updates for job seekers. Follow them @IRSnews. 

iTunes podcasts -- These short audio recordings provide useful information on one tax-related topic per podcast. They are available on iTunes (along with their transcripts). 

Facebook – You may not necessarily “like” the IRS but you can like its Facebook page to get the latest news and information. 

The IRS reminds people not to post any confidential information on new or social media sites, especially your Social Security number. The IRS will not be able to answer personal tax or account questions through any of these services.