Some forms let you answer by talking instead of typing. A voice asks the questions, you answer in your own words, and your answers fill in the form for you. You can switch to typing whenever you like.
Before you start
- Use a phone or computer with a microphone, in a quiet spot if you can.
- Your browser will ask to use your microphone. You need to allow it to answer by voice.
Answer by voice
- Open the link from your accountant.
- Tap the large button or Start talking. On some forms, you first tap Answer with voice.
- When your browser asks, allow the microphone.
- Listen to the question, then answer. You can say several things at once, like your name and your email.
- Stop talking when you're done. The form notices the pause and moves on, or you can tap Done. If the screen says Tap to talk, tap the button to answer again.
- Keep going until every question is covered. If you give a phone number or email address, the voice reads it back so you can confirm it.
Once everything is answered, your answers are sent by themselves. You'll see Sending your answers….
Check your answers as you go
Tap Your answers to see what's been filled in so far, what's Still to cover, and anything Skipped. To turn the voice's sound off, use the speaker button at the top of the screen.
Switch to typing
You can type at any point, and nothing you've already said is lost.
- Before you start: tap Prefer to type? for the usual typed form.
- During the conversation: tap the keyboard button, type your reply in the Type a reply… box, and tap Send.
- To finish in the typed form: open Your answers and tap Use the form instead. The typed form opens at the first question you haven't answered yet.
Good to know
- Your voice isn't recorded or kept. Each reply is turned into text and the sound is thrown away. Only your answers are saved.
- Long pauses. If the voice doesn't hear anything for a while, it pauses and shows Let's pause here. Tap Keep talking to carry on, or Finish in the form to type the rest. Your answers so far are kept.
- A question it can't catch. After a few tries, the voice moves on. Your accountant can follow up on anything missing.
- Privacy permission. Some accountants ask your permission before their forms use AI. If you don't agree to it, you'll continue with the typed form instead. See Is my information safe?
Why does it say "Microphone access was blocked"?
Your browser isn't letting the form use your microphone. You can type your answers instead, or allow the microphone and reload the page:
- iPhone or iPad (Safari): tap aA in the address bar, then Website Settings, and set Microphone to Allow.
- Chrome (computer or Android): tap the icon to the left of the web address, then turn Microphone on.
- Other browsers: look for the microphone or site settings next to the web address.
You'll see the same message if your browser can't record sound at all. In that case, use another browser or type your answers.
Why does it keep saying it didn't hear me?
If you see "I didn't catch that. Tap the mic when you're ready." or "Couldn't hear that. Please try again.", move somewhere quieter, hold the phone closer, and speak after the screen says Listening…. If it still doesn't work, switch to typing.
What if voice isn't available?
If you see "Voice answers aren't available right now." or a note that the conversation has gone on for a while, tap Finish in the form and type the rest. If you see "Voice is busy right now. Please use the form instead.", open Your answers and tap Use the form instead. Either way, your answers so far are kept.