Abstract: A computer-implemented method for generating explanations for a tax calculation or operation performed by tax preparation software is disclosed. A computing device executes a tax calculation engine in connection with the tax preparation software and operates on a tax calculation graph to perform a tax calculation. The tax calculation graph semantically describes data dependent tax operations comprising functional nodes connected to input nodes by one of a plurality of functions, wherein each tax operation is associated with one or more explanations. An explanation engine is executed to generate a narrative explanation from the one or more explanations associated with one of the tax operations and is presented to the user on the computing device.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems, methods and articles for generating an error report listing errors identified in the computerized preparation of a payroll tax form. The system includes a computing device, a data store, and a payroll tax form software application executable by the computing device. The payroll tax form software includes a payroll calculation engine, an error check engine, and one or more error graph(s). Each error graph includes a plurality of interconnected nodes configured to utilize tax data and calculated payroll data to identify errors. The calculation engine is configured to read tax data from the shared data store, perform payroll calculation operations, and write calculated payroll data to the shared data store. The error check engine is configured to read the tax data and payroll data and process the error graph(s) to identify errors and generate an error report listing the errors and/or explanations of the errors.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods, systems and articles of manufacture for determining which questions to present to a user of a modular tax preparation application in which analysis of tax logic by the tax logic agent is separate from interview screens generated by the user interface controller. A topic engine of the modular tax preparation application is configured or programmed to predict which tax topics are applicable to the current electronic tax return based at least in part upon a data of a prior year tax return. Other sources besides the current tax return being prepared and the prior year tax return may also be utilized for topic determination. The tax logic agent generates a non-binding suggestion for the user interface controller based at least in part upon an output generated by the topic engine.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods, systems and articles of manufacture detecting inconsistent electronic tax return data. In a tax return preparation application in which a tax logic agent and user interface controller share a data store, and the tax logic agent including or executing a cross-field validation engine is separate from or loosely coupled to a user interface controller, the tax logic agent reads runtime data of the electronic tax return from the data store, and the validation engine compares runtime data cross-field rule conditions. A cross-field rule having a condition that is not satisfied by the runtime data is identified, and a non-binding suggestion is generated by the tax logic agent and received by the user interface controller, which generates an interview screen concerning the detected inconsistency for display to the user.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for generating explanations for a tax calculation or operation performed by tax preparation software is disclosed. A computing device executes a tax calculation engine in connection with the tax preparation software and operates on a tax calculation graph to perform a tax calculation. The tax calculation graph semantically describes data dependent tax operations comprising functional nodes connected to input nodes by one of a plurality of functions, wherein each tax operation is associated with one or more explanations. An explanation engine is executed to generate a narrative explanation from the one or more explanations associated with one of the tax operations and is presented to the user on the computing device.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems, methods and articles for identifying errors in the computerized preparation of a payroll tax form to be submitted to a tax agency. The system includes a computing device, a data store, and a payroll tax form preparation software application executable by the computing device. The payroll tax form preparation software includes a payroll calculation engine, an error check engine, and one or more error graph(s). Each error graph includes a plurality of interconnected nodes configured to utilize tax data and calculated payroll data to identify errors. The calculation engine is configured to read tax data from the shared data store, perform payroll calculation operations, and write calculated payroll data to the shared data store. The error check engine is configured to read the tax data and payroll data and process the error graph(s) to identify errors. An explanation engine may generate narrative explanations of the errors.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems, methods and articles for identifying errors in the computerized preparation of a payroll tax form to be submitted to a tax agency. The system includes a computing device, a data store, and a payroll tax form preparation software application executable by the computing device. The payroll tax form preparation software includes a payroll calculation engine, an error check engine, and a schema error module having a plurality of error rules in the form of meta data generated from tax agency schema requirements. The calculation engine is configured to read tax data from the shared data store, perform payroll calculation operations, and write calculated payroll data to the shared data store. The error check engine is configured to read the tax data and payroll data and check the data against the error rules to identify errors. An explanation engine may generate narrative explanations of the errors.

Abstract: Customizing sounds for operating actions of an automobile, comprising: receiving signal emitted by a remote; determining a requested operating action corresponding to the signal; and assigning a customized sound to the requested operating action when a sound assignment is requested.