Abstract: An intermediate computer hosts a tax return preparation application and generates an interview screen presented to a preparer through a display of the preparer computing device executing a browser. In response, the preparer acquires images of tax documents to begin preparation of an electronic tax return, e.g., by sequentially taking photographs of tax documents using a camera of a mobile communication device, which transmits the images or results of image processing such as Optical Character Recognition(OCR) to the intermediate computer. The intermediate computer, as necessary, performs OCR processing and automatically populates a plurality of electronic tax forms with the first electronic tax data and the second electronic tax data. The electronic tax return may be completed by tax document imaging and manual corrections to OCR results as necessary, in contrast to traditional tax return preparation applications structured according to a pre-determined and programmed sequence of interview screens.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system that facilitates use of an electronic device. During operation, the system displays, by an application on the electronic device, a user interface comprising a first set of user-interface elements for obtaining data from a user. Upon detecting a first swiping gesture through the user interface, the system submits the data for processing by the application. The system then updates the user interface with a second set of user-interface elements based on the submitted data.

Abstract: An intermediate computer hosts a tax return preparation application and generates an interview screen presented to a preparer through a display of the preparer computing device executing a browser. In response, the preparer acquires images of tax documents to begin preparation of an electronic tax return, e.g., by sequentially taking photographs of tax documents using a camera of a mobile communication device, which transmits the images or results of image processing such as Optical Character Recognition(OCR) to the intermediate computer. The intermediate computer, as necessary, performs OCR processing and automatically populates a plurality of electronic tax forms with the first electronic tax data and the second electronic tax data. The electronic tax return may be completed by tax document imaging and manual corrections to OCR results as necessary, in contrast to traditional tax return preparation applications structured according to a pre-determined and programmed sequence of interview screens.

Abstract: An intermediate computer hosts a tax return preparation application and generates an interview screen presented to a preparer through a display of the preparer computing device executing a browser. In response, the preparer acquires images of tax documents to begin preparation of an electronic tax return, e.g., by sequentially taking photographs of tax documents using a camera of a mobile communication device, which transmits the images or results of image processing such as Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to the intermediate computer. The intermediate computer, as necessary, performs OCR processing and automatically populates a plurality of electronic tax forms with the first electronic tax data and the second electronic tax data. The electronic tax return may be completed by tax document imaging and manual corrections to OCR results as necessary, in contrast to traditional tax return preparation applications structured according to a pre-determined and programmed sequence of interview screens.

Abstract: A tax return preparation application generates a first interview screen displayed to a subject taxpayer and requests first input of an image or entry of pre-determined data. Intermediate computer storing electronic tax data of multiple taxpayers determines whether electronic tax data provided or derived based on first input includes a first set for certain fields of an electronic tax form. If so, certain fields are automatically populated and a second, larger set of electronic data is identified and imported from data store to populate additional fields. If not, tax return preparation application generates a second interview screen requesting second input. Additional fields are not populated with data imported from data store when second input confirms that electronic tax data does not include the first set, but may import from data store when second input makes modifications or corrections such that electronic tax data includes the first set.

Abstract: An intermediate computer receives or accesses current year electronic payroll data of employees including a taxpayer and a prior year electronic tax return of the taxpayer. During preparation of an electronic tax return utilizing a tax return preparation application, the intermediate computer receives an image of a current year electronic tax document from a taxpayer computing device, processes the image to transform the image into current year electronic tax data and executes specific rules to validate the current year electronic tax data for entry into the electronic tax return based at least in part upon certain current year electronic tax return data derived from the image, the data of the prior year electronic tax return and data of the current year electronic payroll data. A discrepancy within these different data sources may indicate a life event, and screens and questions regarding a life event are presented to the taxpayer.

Abstract: Retrieving and sending electronic signatures. A document requiring a signature is sent in an electronic message such as an electronic mail or text message from a computing device of a sender to a mobile communication device of the signor. The signor selects or clicks on a hyperlink within the message to launch a browser on the mobile communication device and download an application to the mobile communication device. The application executes to allow the signor to touch a screen of the mobile communication device and generate a signature that is incorporated into the document and transmitted back to the sender. In certain embodiments, an electronic tax return is sent from a sender computer to a client mobile communication device, the signor generates a touch screen signature, and the signed tax return is transmitted to the sender for filing with a tax authority.

Abstract: A method and system include reducing a presentation of less-relevant questions to a user of a tax return preparation system to personalize a tax return preparation interview process for the user, according to one embodiment. The method and system include providing a number user experience elements to a user to select from, according to one embodiment. The method and system include receiving selected ones of the number of user experience elements from the user interface, according to one embodiment. The method and system include prioritizing questions of the tax return preparation interview process, by relevance to the user, based at least partially on the selected ones of the number of user experience elements, according to one embodiment. The method and system include delivering relevant ones of the questions to the user through the user interface to progress the user through the tax return preparation interview process, according to one embodiment.

Abstract: Sending electronic messages related to a tax return from a mobile communication device of an accountant or client. Computers having tax preparation programs that are utilized prepare tax returns are synchronized with a host computer. A browser executes on a mobile communication device and a web application on the second computer executes to display a client list. A client is selected, and the web application presents an interface including tax return data of the selected client on the mobile communication device. The interface includes an icon or object that when selected generates a message window that may be at least partially automatically populated. A message may be typed in the window and sent from the mobile communication device. For example, the accountant may send a self-addressed message to a computer utilized to prepare the tax return, or the client may send the accountant a message.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention involves a method for readying client financial data. The method comprises receiving a proximity distance; identifying a location of a mobile device of a financial professional (FP); identifying a location of a first client of the FP within the proximity distance from the location of the mobile device; downloading, by the mobile device and in response to identifying the first client, a first financial data item corresponding to the first client; and displaying, to the FP by the mobile device, the first financial data item.

Abstract: Display elements are displayed in a corresponding display region of a multi-display element interface display with continuously connected data display elements so that each display element is shown as connected to at least one other display element in a continuous manner. A user is provided the capability to make contact with two or more continuously connected data display regions of the display regions in the multi-display element interface display with continuously connected data display elements through a single continuous contact with multi-display element interface display on the display screen of the computing system. For each display region contacted by the user's single continuous contact with the display screen, the display element corresponding to the contacted display region is transformed into a selected display element.

Abstract: Audio-visual synchronization using retrieval of visual data through a network to enhance the content presented to the user and to provide the user with a more meaningful and engaging audio-visual experience. An audio player such as an electronic book reader or stereo plays an audio file. The audio file, whether in analog form as played through a speaker or in digital form, is provided to a controller, which scans the audio file to detect a trigger or cue identifying visual data stored in a data store or database that is local or accessible through a network. The controller accesses the data store or database, downloads the pre-determined visual data, and controls the audio player and display such that playing of audio data and display of the retrieved visual data are synchronized with each other.

Abstract: Sending electronic messages related to a tax return from a mobile communication device of an accountant or client. Computers having tax preparation programs that are utilized prepare tax returns are synchronized with a host computer. A browser executes on a mobile communication device and a web application on the second computer executes to display a client list. A client is selected, and the web application presents an interface including tax return data of the selected client on the mobile communication device. The interface includes an icon or object that when selected generates a message window that may be at least partially automatically populated. A message may be typed in the window and sent from the mobile communication device. For example, the accountant may send a self-addressed message to a computer utilized to prepare the tax return, or the client may send the accountant a message.

Abstract: A user mobile computing system is provided and geo-location data indicating the position of the user mobile computing system is monitored. When an application or feature is activated or used on the user mobile computing system, activation/use data indicating the application or feature activated and use location data indicating the position of the user mobile computing system at the time of the activation/use of the application or feature is obtained and linked, mapped, and/or otherwise associated with each other, and stored. When, and if, current geo-location data for the user mobile computing system later indicates the user mobile computing system is within a defined distance of the use location associated with the application or feature, the application or feature is automatically launched and any preparation required for use of the application or feature are performed so that the application or feature is ready for use when the user mobile computing system reaches the use location.

Abstract: A computer-readable medium includes instructions for managing output settings in a form-based application by modifying a first output setting control associated with a first output version of a form of the form-based application, initiating outputting the first output version based on modifying the first output setting control, and initiating outputting a second output version based on a second output setting control.

Abstract: A method for displaying a user interface that includes displaying a plurality of tabs, wherein each of the plurality of tabs is associated with a selected item, receiving a selection of a first tab of the plurality of tabs, and displaying a selected page associated with the selected item based on the selection of the first tab, wherein the selected page and the plurality of tabs are visible on a single screen in the user interface, and wherein the selected item is selected from a plurality of items listed in a page of the user interface.