Abstract: A system, a method, and a computer program for performing an online, real-time tax consultation for preparation of a client's taxes by a tax agent, wherein the tax agent is remote from the client, and the system is implemented via an electronic, online application accessible via a communications network. Embodiments allow for a client desiring tax preparation of a tax return to initiate the tax preparation with a tax agent via an online, integrated platform; electronically upload or otherwise push the client's tax-related information and documents to the tax agent; participate in an online tax consultation so that the tax agent may investigate, learn, or otherwise obtain the tax information necessary for completing the client's tax return; and electronically approve and file the completed tax return.

Abstract: A system, a method, and a computer program for performing an online, real-time tax consultation for preparation of a client's taxes by a tax agent, wherein the tax agent is remote from the client, and the system is implemented via an electronic, online application accessible via a communications network. Embodiments allow for a client desiring tax preparation of a tax return to initiate the tax preparation with a tax agent via an online, integrated platform; electronically upload or otherwise push the client's tax-related information and documents to the tax agent; participate in an online tax consultation so that the tax agent may investigate, learn, or otherwise obtain the tax information necessary for completing the client's tax return; and electronically approve and file the completed tax return.

Abstract: A hybridized secured credit financial product provides a consumer immediate access to funds corresponding to at least a portion of a line of credit before collateral securing the line of credit is realized. The consumer applies for a secured lined of credit. If approved, the consumer opens a first financial account that is a secured credit account. Collateral to secure the secured credit account is provided via a source of collateral funds, such as a onetime or periodic impending payment, associated with the consumer and deposited into a second financial account associated with the consumer. The consumer is allowed access to at least a portion of the line of credit before the collateral is actually deposited into the second financial account.

Abstract: An automated system and method for acquiring tax data and importing it into tax preparation software. Tax documents are acquired electronically in a tax data acquisition process by scanning, faxing, or emailing them. Once a tax document is in electronic form, an optical character recognition (OCR) software process obtains tax data from the electronic tax document. Each piece of tax data that is obtained from the OCR software process is then imported into tax preparation software. Once the tax data has been imported into tax preparation software, the software may be used to complete a tax return. An important step in the tax return preparation process is automated so the need for tax professionals to spend time entering tax data into tax preparation software is reduced and data entry errors are reduced. Tax professionals may devote more time to preparing tax returns and less time to data entry.

Abstract: A method, a system, and a computer program for predicting an impact of a tax event on a user's tax liabilities at any intermediate time during a current tax year based on a comparison of known and predicted user information related to the user and the user's taxes, tax event information, and a tax deduction database of tax deductions, credits, and eligibility rules. The computer program and method for predicting the impact of the tax event comprise acquiring information about the user from a user profile, acquiring information about the tax event, comparing the user information and the tax event information with requirements for tax deductions and credits offered by a taxing authority, and identifying deductions or credits having requirements related to the user information and the tax event information.

Abstract: A method, a system, and a computer program for predicting an impact of a tax event on a user's tax liabilities at any intermediate time during a current tax year based on a comparison of known and predicted user information related to the user and the user's taxes, tax event information, and a tax deduction database of tax deductions, credits, and eligibility rules. The computer program and method for predicting the impact of the tax event comprise acquiring information about the user from a user profile, acquiring information about the tax event, comparing the user information and the tax event information with requirements for tax deductions and credits offered by a taxing authority, and identifying deductions or credits having requirements related to the user information and the tax event information.

Abstract: A method, a system, and a computer program for suggesting to the user a tax event to reduce the user's tax liability. Embodiments comprise accessing known user information related to the user and the user's taxes, wherein the known user information includes at least some information for a current tax year to date; comparing the known user information with requirements for at least one of tax deductions and tax credits offered by a taxing authority for the current tax year; identifying deductions or credits having requirements related to the known user information; and suggesting to the user a tax event for reducing the user's tax liability, wherein the suggested tax event is based at least partially on the known user information and the identified deductions or credits having requirements related to the known user information.

Abstract: An automated system and method for acquiring tax data and importing it into tax preparation software. Tax documents are acquired electronically in a tax data acquisition process by scanning, faxing, or emailing them. Once a tax document is in electronic form, an optical character recognition (OCR) software process obtains tax data from the electronic tax document. Each piece of tax data that is obtained from the OCR software process is then imported into tax preparation software. Once the tax data has been imported into tax preparation software, the software may be used to complete a tax return. An important step in the tax return preparation process is automated so the need for tax professionals to spend time entering tax data into tax preparation software is reduced and data entry errors are reduced. Tax professionals may devote more time to preparing tax returns and less time to data entry.

Abstract: A computer program, method, and system for referring goods and services via a social media feed. More particularly, the computer program, method, and system provide for a user to refer goods or services through a social media feed and to receive a benefit, such as a monetary amount or a coupon, for referring the goods or services. For instance, a user may request to electronically refer at least one good or service offered by a retailer. Upon receiving such a request, a unique referral link may be generated that is operable to direct third parties to an electronic resource hosted by the retailer. After the user embeds the unique referral link in the user's social media feed, then third parties may select the unique referral link, such that the third party is provided access to the electronic resource hosted by the retailer. Finally, a virtual credit may be provided to the electronic referral account of the user upon the third party selecting the unique referral link.

Abstract: A method, a system, and a computer program for predicting an impact of a tax event, such as reportable income on a 1099 form, on a user's tax liabilities at any intermediate time during a current tax year based on a comparison of known and predicted user information related to the user and the user's taxes, tax event information, and a tax deduction database of tax deductions, credits, and eligibility rules. The computer program and method for predicting the impact of the tax event comprise acquiring information about the user from a user profile, acquiring information about the tax event, comparing the user information and the tax event information with requirements for tax deductions and credits offered by a taxing authority, and identifying deductions or credits having requirements related to the user information and the tax event information.

Abstract: A method, a system, and a computer program for predicting an impact of a tax event on a user's tax liabilities at any intermediate time during a current tax year based on a comparison of known and predicted user information related to the user and the user's taxes, tax event information, and a tax deduction database of tax deductions, credits, and eligibility rules. The computer program and method for predicting the impact of the tax event comprise acquiring information about the user from a user profile, acquiring information about the tax event, comparing the user information and the tax event information with requirements for tax deductions and credits offered by a taxing authority, and identifying deductions or credits having requirements related to the user information and the tax event information.

Abstract: A method, a system, and a computer program for suggesting to the user a tax event to reduce the user's tax liability. Embodiments comprise accessing known user information related to the user and the user's taxes, wherein the known user information includes at least some information for a current tax year to date; comparing the known user information with requirements for at least one of tax deductions and tax credits offered by a taxing authority for the current tax year; identifying deductions or credits having requirements related to the known user information; and suggesting to the user a tax event for reducing the user's tax liability, wherein the suggested tax event is based at least partially on the known user information and the identified deductions or credits having requirements related to the known user information.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for preparing a tax return using electronically distributed tax return data. Electronically distributed tax return data (such as W-2 data or 1099 data) that is stored at a third party's computer system for a taxpayer is accessed to prepare the tax return. The location of the electronically distributed tax return data is provided to a tax preparer that accesses the electronic data and prepares the tax return. The taxpayer provides authorization for the tax preparer to access the electronically distributed tax return data stored at the third party system. After the current tax year, the tax preparer checks the availability of the electronically distributed tax return data. When the electronically distributed tax return data is determined to be available, the tax preparer accesses it and prepares the tax return.

Abstract: The present invention is a computerized tax savings tool for adjusting a taxpayer's taxable income to identify tax savings opportunities. The tax savings tool may be implemented as a component of a proprietary tax preparation software system that is used to prepare tax returns for taxpayer clients of a tax preparation firm. The tool automates the calculations of legal steps that a taxpayer may take to reduce his or her AGI on a current or a future tax return, which in turn enables the taxpayer to take advantage of additional adjustments, deductions, exemptions, credits, etc. provided by the tax code of the taxing authority. The tax savings opportunities are presented in one or more onscreen reports that may be reviewed by a tax return preparer and taxpayer. The onscreen report identifies specific actions that the taxpayer may take to reduce his or her taxable income, and therefore, related tax liability.