Do tax apps on mobile devices work well?

— -- A promotional video for TurboTax's iPad mobile app suggests that users can do their taxes while reclining on the floor, sitting in the lotus position or relaxing in a hammock. But given the complexity of the tax code, is this really a task you want to undertake from a prone position? And is it prudent to type sensitive financial information into a device that you might leave in the back of a cab?

Such is the promise and peril of tax apps for mobile devices. The rapid growth of iPads, Androids and other tablets has prompted the major tax software providers to develop apps that contain most of the features offered by their online programs.

Meanwhile, you can use your smartphone to track your refund, check your eligibility for tax credits or get help from the IRS.

Here's a look at what's available:

TurboTax for iPad

This application supports TurboTax's Deluxe, Premier, and Home and Business products. However, Deluxe is the only app you can download from the iTunes store. After that, you can upgrade if necessary.

You can download and try out the app for free. There's a fee to e-file and print your return. Prices start at $29.99 for a federal return. A state return costs $36.99.

As with TurboTax's online products, you can import financial documents from participating employers and financial institutions. If you used TurboTax Online last year, you can also import 2010's tax return.

Once you start your tax return on the tablet app, you can't transfer it to TurboTax online. If you start online, you can transfer the information to the iPad, but the process requires several steps. TurboTax recommends sticking with the device you start with, says spokeswoman Colleen Gatlin. Alternatively, users who want to switch back and forth can use their iPad browser to do their taxes on TurboTax online.

TurboTax's app stores your tax information on the device you use to prepare the return. TurboTax recommends using iTunes file-sharing to back up a completed return on your home computer. Before using this app, make sure your tablet is password-protected, Gatlin says.

H&R Block at Home

Our test drive of this iPad app got off to a rocky start: We couldn't find it in the iTunes store. We were finally set right after searching under HRB. (Block says it's fixing this glitch).

This app allows you to prepare and file one federal tax return for free; a state return costs $29.99.

H&R Block's free edition doesn't include tax forms for more complex tax issues, such as self-employment income.

However, once you download the app, you can upgrade to the Deluxe edition, says Chris Jackman, senior product manager at H&R Block.

Preparing and e-filing a Deluxe edition costs $19.99 for a federal return; $29.99 for a state return.

Users who upgrade to the Deluxe edition can switch back and forth between the iPad and their home computers, Jackman says. This option is not available with the free edition.

Upgrading to Deluxe also allows you to import last year's tax return. However, to make this work, you need to use last year's user name and password when you create your iPad account.

Block doesn't store tax data on its iPad app. For that reason, you need an Internet connection to use the program.

TaxAct