How is SpyglassBeacon different from Taxbird?

SpyglassBeacon emphasizes hands-off background tracking, the any-part-of-a-day counting standard that residency audits use, a defensible day-by-day PDF report, coverage of international rules like the Schengen 90/180 limit and the Substantial Presence Test, and an on-device privacy model with no account required.

Does SpyglassBeacon track international days too?

Yes. Alongside US state day counts, it addresses international rules such as the Schengen 90/180-day limit and the US Substantial Presence Test.

How much does SpyglassBeacon cost?

It is free during preview. Paid plans will be announced at launch.

TAXBIRD ALTERNATIVE

A Taxbird alternative built around automation, audit-grade proof, and privacy

Q: Is SpyglassBeacon a Taxbird alternative?

Yes. Both track how many days you spend in each place for tax-residency purposes. SpyglassBeacon differs in its focus on automatic tracking, an audit-grade exportable report, international rules alongside US states, and keeping your location history on your device.

Q: Is my location data private?

Your location history is stored on your device. There is no account and no cloud copy, and the only thing that leaves your phone is a report you choose to export and share.

Q: Can I export a report for an audit?

Yes. SpyglassBeacon exports a per-state day-count summary with a day-by-day appendix as a PDF you can save, print, or send to your accountant.

Taxbird is one of the longest-running residency trackers. If you are weighing it against SpyglassBeacon, here is an honest look at who each is for.

Who Taxbird is built for

Taxbird is an established app focused on US state residency for people who keep homes in more than one state, the classic snowbird situation. It has been around since 2017, has a straightforward annual subscription, and is a familiar, proven choice for that specific job.

Where SpyglassBeacon puts its emphasis

SpyglassBeacon is built for people who want four things in particular:

Hands-off accuracy. Motion-aware background tracking that runs on well under 1% of your battery a day, with automatic daily check-ins so even a stay-at-home day lands in the record.
Audit-grade output. A day-by-day report using the "any part of a day counts" standard that residency audits actually turn on.
International rules too. The Schengen 90/180 limit and the US Substantial Presence Test, not only US state day counts.
Privacy by architecture. Your history stays on your device, with no account and no cloud copy.

Pricing

Taxbird charges a low annual subscription; see taxbird.com for current pricing. SpyglassBeacon is free during preview, with paid plans to be announced at launch.

Who should stay with Taxbird

If you want an established, US-state-focused snowbird tracker and that fully meets your needs today, Taxbird is a solid, long-standing choice. SpyglassBeacon is the better fit if automatic reliability, an audit-grade report, international coverage, or an on-device privacy model matter to you, or if you would rather not wait for a proven track record to switch.

Common questions

Is SpyglassBeacon a Taxbird alternative?

Yes. Both count your days per place for residency purposes; SpyglassBeacon focuses on automation, an audit-grade report, international rules, and on-device privacy.

Does it track international days too?

Yes, including the Schengen 90/180 limit and the US Substantial Presence Test alongside US states.

Is my location data private?

Your history stays on your device. No account, no cloud copy; only a report you choose to export ever leaves your phone.

Can I export a report for an audit?

Yes, a per-state summary with a day-by-day appendix, as a PDF.

How much does it cost?

Free during preview; paid plans announced at launch.

When can I get it?

SpyglassBeacon is in private preview, iPhone first, and coming soon to the App Store.

Not tax advice. Feature and pricing details for other products change; check the vendor's own site for the latest. This comparison reflects each product's stated focus.

More comparisons: TaxDay · Monaeo · All alternatives

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