Abstract: System, method and media for the provision of relevant information, tax regulations and other advice for the preparation of the return to the user of the tax preparation system. This can be done by developing a profile of the taxpayer as the user moves through the process of preparing the tax return. When a user views a tip or help article, the impact on the outcome of the return is noted. If the impact is a positive one, then the tip or help article may be automatically presented to future users with similar taxpayer profiles. In this way, users can maximize the benefit of the return for the taxpayer while increasing the accuracy of the prepared return.

Abstract: A system, a method, and computer-readable media for opportunistically authenticating a taxpayer. Specifically, embodiments of the invention leverage the fact that the user has possession of particular documents or access to certain information as evidence that the user is the person referred to in those documents or information. If the user provides sufficient evidence to authenticate themselves while providing the information required for the financial transaction, no separate authentication step may be required. At a high level, documents or other data imported in a first context (e.g., during the process of preparing a tax return for a user) are used as evidence of the user's authenticity in a second context.

Abstract: System, method and media for the provision of relevant information, tax regulations and other advice for the preparation of the return to the user of the tax preparation system. This can be done by developing a profile of the taxpayer as the user moves through the process of preparing the tax return. When a user views a tip or help article, the impact on the outcome of the return is noted. If the impact is a positive one, then the tip or help article may be automatically presented to future users with similar taxpayer profiles. In this way, users can maximize the benefit of the return for the taxpayer while increasing the accuracy of the prepared return.

Abstract: A system, a method, and computer-readable media for opportunistically authenticating a taxpayer. Specifically, embodiments of the invention leverage the fact that the user has possession of particular documents or access to certain information as evidence that the user is the person referred to in those documents or information. If the user provides sufficient evidence to authenticate themselves while providing the information required for the financial transaction, no separate authentication step may be required. At a high level, documents or other data imported in a first context (e.g., during the process of preparing a tax return for a user) are used as evidence of the user's authenticity in a second context.

Abstract: A computer program, a method, and a system for determining an effect a tax event has on a taxpayer's tax refund amount or tax owed amount (refund/owe amount). During a tax interview for preparation of a tax return using tax preparation software, tax event information related to the taxpayer's liability is inputted. The refund/owe amount is displayed via a refund/owe meter (ROM) on a graphical user interface. After each tax event is inputted or after a ROM generating event, the ROM displays an updated refund/owe amount. Additionally, the effect of the tax event on the displayed amount is presented, including a monetary amount by which a last received tax event affects the displayed amount. The effect is calculated and displayed in real time so as to dynamically change the displayed refund/owe amount in response to the last received tax event information or in response to the ROM generating event.