Is SpyglassBeacon a TaxDay alternative?

Yes. Both track your residency days. SpyglassBeacon emphasizes automatic background tracking, an audit-grade exportable report, international rules alongside US states, and keeping your data on your device.

Does SpyglassBeacon work internationally?

Yes, it addresses the Schengen 90/180 limit and the US Substantial Presence Test in addition to US state day counts.

Is my location data private?

Your location history stays on your device, with no account and no cloud copy. Only a report you choose to export leaves your phone.

How much does SpyglassBeacon cost?

It is free during preview, with paid plans announced at launch.

TAXDAY ALTERNATIVE

A TaxDay alternative focused on automation, proof, and privacy

Q: How is SpyglassBeacon different from TaxDay?

SpyglassBeacon focuses on hands-off tracking, the any-part-of-a-day counting standard used in audits, a defensible PDF report, coverage of rules like the Schengen 90/180 limit and the Substantial Presence Test, and an on-device privacy model with no account.

Q: Can I export an audit report?

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

TaxDay and SpyglassBeacon both help you track residency days. Here is where each fits.

Who TaxDay is built for

TaxDay is a residency tracker aimed at people managing US state tax residency, with a subscription model and a free trial. It is a capable option for keeping tabs on where you spend your days across states.

Where SpyglassBeacon puts its emphasis

Automatic tracking that runs in the background with negligible battery use and daily check-ins, so days are not missed.
An audit-grade report built on the "any part of a day counts" standard audits use.
International rules such as the Schengen 90/180 limit and the Substantial Presence Test.
On-device privacy with no account and no cloud copy of your location.

Pricing

TaxDay is a paid subscription; see taxday.com for current pricing and trial terms. SpyglassBeacon is free during preview, with paid plans to be announced at launch.

Who should stay with TaxDay

If TaxDay's workflow already fits how you track your states and you are happy with it, there is no need to switch. SpyglassBeacon is the better fit if you want hands-off automation, international coverage, an audit-grade export, or a privacy model that keeps your history off the cloud.

Common questions

How is SpyglassBeacon different from TaxDay?

It focuses on hands-off tracking, an audit-grade report, international rules, and on-device privacy.

Does it work internationally?

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

Is my data private?

Your history stays on your device; only a report you export ever leaves your phone.

Can I export an audit report?

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

What does it cost?

Free during preview; paid plans at launch.

When can I get it?

In private preview, iPhone first, coming soon to the App Store.

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

More comparisons: Taxbird · Monaeo · All alternatives

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