Abstract: A network-based synchronization system includes a server executing an electronic tax preparation program. The server is in communication with first and second computing devices through first and second networks. The first computing device utilizes the electronic tax preparation program. The second computing device is a mobile communication device including an image acquisition component and a mobile application executing thereon. The server, and the first and second computing devices are cooperatively operable through the first and second networks to synchronize the electronic tax preparation program and the mobile application based at least in part upon data acquired by the image acquisition component. The server receives the data acquired by the image acquisition component and transmits the data to the first computing device to synchronize the mobile application and the electronic tax preparation program.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for collaboratively preparing an electronic tax return includes a host computer receiving a request from a first user for a collaborative tax preparation session through tax preparation software utilized by the first user to prepare an electronic tax return. The method also includes the host computer sending a message through a second network to a second computing device of a second user, inviting the second user to participate in the collaborative tax preparation session with the first user. The method further includes the host computer receiving a reply from the second computing device, including agreement by the second user to participate in the session. Moreover, the method includes the host computer establishing the collaborative tax preparation session. During the collaborative tax preparation session, the host computer receives tax-related information from the second computing device, and sends the received tax-related information to the first computing device.

Abstract: Computing systems, computer-implemented methods, articles of manufacture for making personalized assessments regarding whether a taxpayer should be presented with a standardized flow of interview screens, questions or topics, or with an itemized deduction flow of interview screens, questions or topics. This assessment is made utilizing a generated user interface and analytic data elements that generate outputs that reflect the taxpayer's data, e.g., in the form of ranges of numerical data that are based on the taxpayer's data. User interface elements representing response options in the form of range data may be selected by the user without entering specific electronic tax return data for the purpose of making standardized v. itemized determinations and to determine which questions or topics can be bypassed.

Abstract: A network-based synchronization system includes a server executing an electronic tax preparation program. The server is in communication with first and second computing devices through first and second networks. The first computing device utilizes the electronic tax preparation program. The second computing device is a mobile communication device including an image acquisition component and a mobile application executing thereon. The server, and the first and second computing devices are cooperatively operable through the first and second networks to synchronize the electronic tax preparation program and the mobile application based at least in part upon data acquired by the image acquisition component. The server receives the data acquired by the image acquisition component and transmits the data to the first computing device to synchronize the mobile application and the electronic tax preparation program.

Abstract: A network-based synchronization system includes a server executing an electronic tax preparation program. The server is in communication with first and second computing devices through first and second networks. The first computing device utilizes the electronic tax preparation program. The second computing device is a mobile communication device including an image acquisition component and a mobile application executing thereon. The server, and the first and second computing devices are cooperatively operable through the first and second networks to synchronize the electronic tax preparation program and the mobile application based at least in part upon data acquired by the image acquisition component. The server receives the data acquired by the image acquisition component and transmits the data to the first computing device to synchronize the mobile application and the electronic tax preparation program.

Abstract: A computing device acquires a video of a tax document utilizing a video camera such as a webcam. The video is analyzed to detect a first motion of the tax document, such as sufficient shaking or movement of the tax document, satisfying first pre-determined criteria that results in the computing device being prompted or requested by the user to take an image of the tax document. After the first pre-determined criteria has been satisfied, the user is instructed to hold the tax document steady. Subsequent video frames are analyzed to detect a second motion or the tax document being sufficiently still or steady, in response to which an image of the tax document is acquired and processed to extract data of the tax document from the acquired image and populate corresponding fields of the electronic tax return.

Abstract: A method and system provides augmented OCR data to a user of a financial system. The method and system include receiving image data related to an image of a financial document of the user and generating OCR data based on the image data. The method and system further include receiving financial data related to the financial document, analyzing the financial document, and generating the augmented OCR data based on the OCR data and the financial data.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods, systems and computer program products for directing a current user of a tax preparation application to a portion of the current user's tax document. Images of tax documents of other or prior users are received, and a tax document image is selected. Tax data within the selected tax document image is redacted from the image to generate an image of a template of a tax document. Sections or interface elements of interview screens generated by the tax preparation program are mapped to sections of the template. When the current user selects an interface element such as a field, a pre-determined or selected portion of the template image is presented through the tax preparation application to the current user. The particular field mapped to the particular selected interface element may be identified or highlighted.

Abstract: A network-based synchronization system includes a server executing an electronic tax preparation program. The server is in communication with first and second computing devices through first and second networks. The first computing device utilizes the electronic tax preparation program. The second computing device is a mobile communication device including an image acquisition component and a mobile application executing thereon. The server, and the first and second computing devices are cooperatively operable through the first and second networks to synchronize the electronic tax preparation program and the mobile application based at least in part upon data acquired by the image acquisition component. The server receives the data acquired by the image acquisition component and transmits the data to the first computing device to synchronize the mobile application and the electronic tax preparation program.

Abstract: A method and system personalizes and facilitates an electronic tax return preparation interview in a tax return preparation system, using a multi-sectional view of interview content, according to one embodiment. The method and system displays first user income information at least partially based on user data, and displays characteristics for the first user income information in a first section of a user interface to indicate to the user which of the first user income information has been identified by an electronic tax return preparation system, according to one embodiment. The method and system, in a second section of the user interface, acquires second user income information from the user, and updates the first section of the user interface with the second user income information acquired from the user within the second section of the user interface.

Abstract: A computing device acquires a video of a tax document utilizing a video camera such as a webcam. The video is analyzed to detect a first motion of the tax document, such as sufficient shaking or movement of the tax document, satisfying first pre-determined criteria that results in the computing device being prompted or requested by the user to take an image of the tax document. After the first pre-determined criteria has been satisfied, the user is instructed to hold the tax document steady. Subsequent video frames are analyzed to detect a second motion or the tax document being sufficiently still or steady, in response to which an image of the tax document is acquired and processed to extract data of the tax document from the acquired image and populate corresponding fields of the electronic tax return.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for collaboratively preparing an electronic tax return includes a host computer receiving a request from a first user for a collaborative tax preparation session through tax preparation software utilized by the first user to prepare an electronic tax return. The method also includes the host computer sending a message through a second network to a second computing device of a second user, inviting the second user to participate in the collaborative tax preparation session with the first user. The method further includes the host computer receiving a reply from the second computing device, including agreement by the second user to participate in the session. Moreover, the method includes the host computer establishing the collaborative tax preparation session. During the collaborative tax preparation session, the host computer receives tax-related information from the second computing device, and sends the received tax-related information to the first computing device.

Abstract: A system and method that provide a framework or tool through which e-commerce store owners may build promotional packages for e-commerce, and the same acts as a promotion engine or kit for promotions or incentives. In one implementation, a network platform provides a promotion framework that allows storefront managers to create a variety of different types of product offerings.