Details
Background Location Access
About
Automatically track days spent in each U.S. state to avoid accidental tax residency. Receive warnings before crossing thresholds and export detailed records for auditors. Designed for privacy with all data stored locally.
What's New in SpyglassBeacon
1.5.0
September 14, 2026
The US Substantial Presence Test, the rule that decides whether a non-US citizen becomes a US tax resident by day count. Beacon now tracks both thresholds it turns on, because they are different and only one is recoverable: - The weighted three-year count: all your US days this year, a third of last year, a sixth of the year before. Cross 183 and you meet the test. - Your actual days this year. Reach 183 and the closer-connection exception on Form 8840 is no longer available to you, whatever your ties abroad. A clock that showed only the first number would read as safe right up to the moment the second one closed. Days in Puerto Rico and other US territories are not counted, because the IRS does not treat them as the United States for this test. It is off until you turn it on in Settings, since the test applies to people who are not US citizens or green card holders. This is a day count and the thresholds it crosses, not tax advice.
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FAQ
How does SpyglassBeacon track my days?
SpyglassBeacon uses motion-aware tracking to count your days automatically in the background. This method is designed to consume less than 1% of your battery daily.
Can SpyglassBeacon help me avoid tax residency?
SpyglassBeacon is an informational tool designed to help you monitor your days spent in each state. It warns you before you cross the 183-day threshold, which is a common standard for establishing tax residency.
Is my location data safe with SpyglassBeacon?
Yes, SpyglassBeacon is private by design. Your location history stays on your device, and there is no account or cloud copy. Only reports you choose to share ever leave your phone.
What kind of reports can SpyglassBeacon export?
You can export a per-state summary with a day-by-day appendix as a PDF. This report is formatted to be ready for your accountant or for residency audits.
What devices does SpyglassBeacon support?
Currently, SpyglassBeacon is supported on iPhone devices. The app was last updated on July 27, 2026, with version 1.0.0.
Is SpyglassBeacon free to use?
Yes, SpyglassBeacon is available for free. The app does not feature in-app purchases or advertisements, making it a completely free tool.
What is the age rating for SpyglassBeacon?
SpyglassBeacon has an age rating of 4+. This indicates it is suitable for a wide range of users and does not contain content inappropriate for children.
Does SpyglassBeacon provide tax or legal advice?
No, SpyglassBeacon is strictly an informational tool. It is not intended to provide tax or legal advice. Users should consult with qualified professionals for such guidance.