Abstract: A modular, computerized tax return preparation application engine including modular tax logic engine and interface controller components loosely coupled to each other and a modular completion monitor. Modular tax logic engine receives runtime data of the tax return and generates a first non-binding suggestion involving a tax topic that is incomplete based on first runtime data and a decision table. Modular interface controller generates a first interface including a first interview screen including content based on the first non-binding suggestion. For iterations or changes of runtime data, completion monitor determines when a previously complete tax topic is now incomplete and notifies modular interface controller regarding the completion status modification. In response modular interface controller generates a second interface comprising an encoded link to an interview screen or screens to address previously complete but currently incomplete tax topics.

Abstract: Systems, methods and articles of manufacture for preparing a tax return in which tax questions may be generated and presented to a user in an ad hoc manner. A tax system includes a computing device executing a tax program. The tax program can display a plurality of user interface presentations, such as interview or question screens, with tax questions asking the user to provide tax data related to a taxpayer for preparing a tax return for the taxpayer. The tax program allows the user to skip a tax question on a user interface presentation, and proceed with subsequent user interface presentations. When the tax program determines that a response to the skipped tax questions is required, the tax program dynamically generates a skipped tax question user interface presentation with the skipped tax question and presents it to the user.

Abstract: A hybrid response mechanism for processing queries submitted through an interview screen of a tax preparation application. User submits query through search field of interview screen generated by tax preparation application. Response engine accesses runtime data of electronic tax return stored in data store and generates hybrid response including runtime data and an action. Hybrid response data may be alpha/numerical runtime data or data identifying runtime data and identifying or including a link to an action, e.g., a form to be completed or revised, or to prepare a new form. The hybrid search result can also include a result (such as reference materials, e.g., information about tax topics or an answer provided by an on-line community member) generated by an external computing resource such as an online community for the tax preparation application also processing the query but that is not included in the electronic tax return being prepared.

Abstract: A modular, computerized tax return preparation application engine including modular tax logic engine and interface controller components loosely coupled to each other and a modular completion monitor. Modular tax logic engine receives runtime data of the tax return and generates a first non-binding suggestion involving a tax topic that is incomplete based on first runtime data and a decision table. Modular interface controller generates a first interface including a first interview screen including content based on the first non-binding suggestion. For iterations or changes of runtime data, completion monitor determines when a previously complete tax topic is now incomplete and notifies modular interface controller regarding the completion status modification. In response modular interface controller generates a second interface comprising an encoded link to an interview screen or screens to address previously complete but currently incomplete tax topics.

Abstract: A hybrid response mechanism for processing queries submitted through an interview screen of a tax preparation application. User submits query through search field of interview screen generated by tax preparation application. Response engine accesses runtime data of electronic tax return stored in data store and generates hybrid response including runtime data and an action. Hybrid response data may be alpha/numerical runtime data or data identifying runtime data and identifying or including a link to an action, e.g., a form to be completed or revised, or to prepare a new form. The hybrid search result can also include a result (such as reference materials, e.g., information about tax topics or an answer provided by an on-line community member) generated by an external computing resource such as an online community for the tax preparation application also processing the query but that is not included in the electronic tax return being prepared.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that performs card-based transactions. During operation, the system displays a set of magnetic-stripe cards to a user through a user interface of a portable device and obtains a user selection of a magnetic-stripe card from the set of magnetic stripe cards. Next, the system writes magnetic-stripe data associated with the magnetic-stripe card to a rewritable magnetic stripe on the portable device. Finally, the system uses the rewritable magnetic stripe in the card-based transaction in place of the magnetic-stripe card.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a system and method for finance-based competition are described. The system and method for finance-based competition may provide a game engine configured to enable a user to engage in a finance-based competition with one or more other users. The winner of the competition may be determined by one of various standards related to various financial attributes. In various embodiments, the game engine may be configured to enable a user to compete against one or more user-defined goals. A user may set various goals that he would like to complete during a given time period, such as saving a certain amount of wealth, funding a child's education fund, purchasing a second home, minimizing taxes owed to a taxing authority, and other finance-related goals. In various embodiments, the game engine may be configured to generate one or more finance-related predictions using a rules engine.