Abstract: Method and apparatus for return processing, including tax returns. A return calculation mechanism may partition out return preparation jobs to a plurality of return calculation nodes. A job scheduler may receive returns and distribute the returns among the calculation nodes according to a load-balancing scheme. The job scheduler may decompose a return into two or more calculation jobs. A job may be an individual return or portion of a return. In one embodiment, the calculation jobs may be prioritized according to dependency. If one job depends on results of another job, the job may be scheduled to execute after the job on which it depends. The calculation nodes may cache calculated data from jobs, and a job that depends on another job may be assigned to a node that caches data from the job on which it depends.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide a more secure financial transaction system for e-commerce sectors that (1) more securely processes payment transactions, (2) helps to protect merchants and banks against fraudulent transactions, money laundering, and underage gambling, and (3) helps to limit other abuses in areas of e-commerce that are perceived to pose special risks, such as Internet gaming, travel, and consumer purchasing of electronic goods. To accomplish the above goals, various embodiments of the financial transaction system (1) establish operating and transaction processing protocols for merchants, Internet payment service providers, acquiring banks, and card schemes and (2) provide automated systems for monitoring and securely processing payment and financial transactions.

Abstract: A method for explaining a form that includes receiving input code, wherein the input code is associated with the form, processing the input code to create an explanation dynamically associated with the form, and outputting the explanation into a natural language.

Abstract: A method for providing insurance, which includes steps of issuing a first insurance policy covering risk disposed in one or more different countries, determining if one or more of the countries prohibit insurance issued by foreign insurers, and subsequently issuing one or more additional insurance policies, if such insurance is prohibited. The additional insurance policies may be issued in each country, or for groups of countries.

Abstract: A method for upgrading from a stand-alone product to an integrated financial product, that includes generating a plurality of product accounts associated with a user of the stand-alone product, modifying, while using the stand-alone product, the plurality of product accounts with financial transaction data associated with the user, activating the integrated financial product after modifying the plurality of product accounts, and accessing the financial transaction data using a financial module of the integrated financial product, wherein functionality provided by the stand-alone product is distinct from functionality provided by the financial module.

Abstract: A method for reviewing data dependencies in a document that includes requesting an explanation of a dependent data container in a plurality of data containers, in which the dependent data container resides within a document, and receiving the explanation of the dependent data container, in which the explanation that includes information about the dependent data container and information about a precedent data container of the plurality of data containers, and in which the information describes the dependency between the precedent data container and the dependent data container.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for an automated, client-specific notification service for reporting return preparers. A notification mechanism may be implemented as a part or component of a return preparation program or as a separate application. The notification mechanism may generate customized notifications for clients based at least in part on the clients' previous return information, for example information from previously filed tax returns. The notification mechanism may customize both the content of the notifications and the timing of the notifications based on each client's particular return information. The notifications generated by the notification mechanism may include or indicate any information related to the return preparation and filing process. The information in a particular notification may be tailored to the specific client's reporting situation. The notifications may be provided to the client(s) via one or more other communications channels or mechanisms.

Abstract: Embodiments of a computer system, a method, a graphical user interface and a computer-program product (e.g., software) for use with the computer system are described. These embodiments may be used to present income-tax information to a user. In particular, the user can provide aggregate values for one or more parameters in an income-tax return for the user by adjusting user-adjustable icons in the graphical user interface. In response to these user inputs, the computer system updates the displayed user-adjustable icons and determines summary information for the income-tax return which is associated with the user inputs. This summary information is displayed using a qualitative-tax-estimator icon in the graphical user interface and/or by displaying a numerical value for the summary information in a quantitative-tax-estimator window in the graphical user interface.

Abstract: A method for mapping a business transaction involves obtaining a transaction record of the business transaction, where the transaction record includes business information associated with performing the business transaction, analyzing the transaction record to determine available business information, submitting available business information to a mapping service to obtain a map of a business location, and displaying the map.

Abstract: A system and method for handling unemployment insurance includes a unified database containing unemployment insurance benefit data and unemployment insurance tax data. The unemployment insurance benefit data and the unemployment insurance tax data are unified into unified data. In another aspect, the system and method include a unified desktop configured to allow a worker to manage the unemployment insurance benefit data and the unemployment insurance tax data. The unified desktop enables a worker to manage both claims for unemployment insurance benefits and unemployment insurance tax payments.

Abstract: Personal qualified dividend income (QDI) is calculated for one or more investors for mutual fund dividend distributions made to accounts of the investors from one or more mutual funds. Personal QDI information may be automatically generated and provided to investors. A similar process may be performed for brokerage accounts that hold individual stocks.

Abstract: This Disclosure relates to a program controlled apparatus, system, and method for determining the transactional taxes due for each item by any taxing authority worldwide. The apparatus comprises a first database comprising a tree structure identifying all of the zones to be examined. A second database comprising all of the taxing authorities is independent from the first zone database. A third database, decoupled from the first and second databases, has data representing the relationship between the data records of the first database and the data records of the second database. Each of the databases can be updated periodically to reflect any changes in identified taxing authorities for the zones over which they may have taxing authority. Furthermore, the present invention provides for an independent, autonomous determination of jurisdiction and tax for each line item and calculates the tax based on any exceptions and exemptions.

Abstract: A method that allows taxing jurisdictions to collect sales and/or use taxes from sales that are made via the internet and catalogs. The method also makes it easier for sellers to comply with the taxing jurisdiction's mandated seller administrative functions. The foregoing is accomplished by using an agent to perform the sales tax administration functions of a seller, relieving the seller of as much of the burden of compliance as possible.

Abstract: A fiscal data recorder for storing transaction related data in a point of sale system is provided with a processing unit receiving the transaction related data. Memory in communication with the processing unit is operable to store the transaction related data. A protection circuit acting between the processing unit and the memory inhibits the electronic tampering with the transaction data stored in the memory.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods providing payment into a pre-existing customer account with a provider of goods or services, the method facilitated between a customer, a provider of goods or services, and a processor. The method including steps such as receiving from the customer value, identifying information of the customer, and information sufficient to identify the provider and pre-existing account of the customer; accessing a payment platform of the provider; determining information required by the provider in order to provide payment into the customer account; communicating information required by the provider in order to provide payment into the customer account; and providing a value into the customer account.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for managing sales tax information. The information may be generated, for example, in connection with transactions involving financial accounts, such as a credit card account. The sales tax information may be received electronically from, for example, a merchant or a point of sale device. A determination may be made whether there is any missing sales tax information. If there is missing information a request may be generated and sent to a source having the information. The source may receive the request, retrieve the desired information, and transmit it to the requesting entity. The sales tax information may be stored and later retrieved for presentation to a user, such as the account holder. The account holder may use the information in completing a tax return.

Abstract: An information model for a party and property records management system includes a legal party role object for maintaining relationships between objects, such as legal party objects and revenue-object objects, within the information model. A legal party object could have several associated objects, such as an identification number object or a legal party communication object.

Abstract: A tax transaction system, and combined sale and tax transaction systems, are disclosed for use in electronic commerce for the deduction of a tax, which may be a sales tax, value-added tax, or any tax on income related to a transaction or taxing event. A trusted third party server system (300, 1060) may be provided which handles the calculation and/or deduction of a tax, e.g. related to a transaction of the sale of a good or service from a seller (200) to a buyer (100), on behalf of the seller, and which further provides for the remission of the tax to a tax collection agency (500, 1090), and which may perform the entire sale and tax transaction by proxy on behalf of the seller. Software modules (1070) including objects which embody instruction code and data structures to enable integral tax calculation and collection solutions, including multi jurisdictional tax calculation, remission and reporting, and even real time tax collection at point of sale, are provided.

Abstract: A tax transaction system, and combined sale and tax transaction systems, are disclosed for use in electronic commerce for the deduction of a tax, which may be a sales tax, value-added tax, or any tax on income related to a transaction or taxing event. A trusted third party server system (300, 1060) may be provided which handles the calculation and/or deduction of a tax, e.g. related to a transaction of the sale of a good or service from a seller (200) to a buyer (100), on behalf of the seller, and which further provides for the remission of the tax to a tax collection agency (500, 1090), and which may perform the entire sale and tax transaction by proxy on behalf of the seller. Software modules (1070) including objects which embody instruction code and data structures to enable integral tax calculation and collection solutions, including multi jurisdictional tax calculation, remission and reporting, and even real time tax collection at point of sale, are provided.

Abstract: A payment terminal system for a card-based purchase can automatically determine a purchase that is potentially entitled to a tax refund from a billing currency for the payment card indicated in a purchase approval response message in response to payment authorisation request transmitted by the payment terminal system. Tax refund records are allocated. The tax refund records make reference to one or more reference currencies.

Abstract: A method for determining paid taxes including obtaining a total price of a purchase following a transaction involving the purchase, determining a tax jurisdiction associated with the first purchase, determining a tax rate based on the tax jurisdiction, extracting a paid tax from the total price based on the tax rate, calculating a tax sum based on the paid tax, and completing a section of a form using the tax sum.

Abstract: A processor-based method for preparing a tax return using multiple service providers. The method includes receiving at a first service provider an image file that includes a plurality of data values and assigning at the first service provider the image file to a form having a plurality of predefined field names, wherein each of the plurality data values belong to one of the plurality of predefined field names. The method also includes receiving at a second service provider the image file and an input form having a plurality of input fields corresponding to the plurality of predefined field names and associating at the second service provider the plurality of data values from the image file with the plurality of input fields.

Abstract: A method begins when a merchant sells to a retail consumer. The consumer then pays the merchant by credit card or debit card. The terminal of the merchant collects the sales data and transmits the sales data to a processor along with the sales revenue. The processor determines the geographic location of the merchant or the customer and the type of goods and services purchased, and then refers to an electronic table of tax rates by taxing authority. The processor then calculates the appropriate sales taxes and its commission upon a computer system. The processor then divides the sales taxes and commission from the sales revenue from immediate deposit to a collecting government agency and the merchant respectively. The method collects sales data upon the terminal or keypad of the merchant at the point of sale.

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.

Abstract: A method and system for assessing VAT on marketing services provided via a network-based marketplace are disclosed. VAT is automatically assesses for users of the services having residences in different countries, at least a portion of which require VAT charges for the services. Corresponding data is stored at individual sites operated by the marketplace service. Periodically, VAT-related data are aggregated for each of the plurality of countries to generate respective tax return reports. VAT is accessed for different users based on the country of residence of the user and whether the user has a VAT-exempt status.

Abstract: A novel Keno game is disclosed in which additional bonus numbers are randomly chosen and displayed in addition to twenty numbers randomly picked for game play. When there are a first predetermined number of matches between the additional bonus numbers and the random twenty numbers the player is awarded a bonus, and the type is bonus is identified by a selection made by the player. The type of bonus is printed out on a bonus ticket that is dispensed to the player. In a subsequent round of Keno game play a player is prompted to insert certain types of bonus ticket if there is a second predetermined number of matches between the additional bonus numbers and the twenty random numbers the player is prompted to insert into the Keno game machine types of bonus tickets that they hold. When the player inserts a bonus ticket it is read and retained and a subsequent round of Keno game play is modified according to the type of bonus identified.

Abstract: A tax transaction system, and combined sale and tax transaction systems, are disclosed for use in electronic commerce for the deduction of a tax, which may be a sales tax, value-added tax, or any tax on income related to a transaction or taxing event. A trusted third party server system (300, 1060) may be provided which handles the calculation and/or deduction of a tax, e.g. related to a transaction of the sale of a good or service from a seller (200) to a buyer (100), on behalf of the seller, and which further provides for the remission of the tax to a tax collection agency (500, 1090), and which may perform the entire sale and tax transaction by proxy on behalf of the seller. Software modules (1070) including objects which embody instruction code and data structures to enable integral tax calculation and collection solutions, including multi-jurisdictional tax calculation, remission and reporting, and even real time tax collection at point of sale, are provided.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for determining taxes that is configurable for local jurisdictions. The system includes a tax knowledge base that provides the facility to store data pertaining to taxes in local jurisdictions, and a tax rule base that provides the facility to store rules for applying taxes in local jurisdictions. The system also includes a tax determination manager that determines the tax for a transaction using the tax knowledge base and, optionally, the tax rule base.

Abstract: A method for processing taxpayer source documents is disclosed. The method may include receiving proforma data and an electronic image of a taxpayer source document, determining a type of tax statement for the taxpayer source document from the electronic image of the taxpayer source document and using the proforma data, a database, and business rules to verify the type of the tax statement for the electronic image of the taxpayer source document. This can be done by searching for an identification code within the electronic image of the taxpayer source document to determine whether the identification code matches the proforma data. The method can also include extracting data from the electronic image of the taxpayer source document and determining if the extracted data from the electronic image of the taxpayer source document has an error. Once the data is extracted, the method can also include creating an electronic document that includes the extracted data.

Abstract: Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for performing tax calculations. An add-in model is described for developing add-in(s) for performing tax calculations. The add-in(s) calculate taxes for one or more tax authorities for items contained in a transaction being processed by a point of sale application. The add-in model specifies functionality the add-in(s) need to implement before the add-in(s) can be used by the point of sale application. A method for configuring multiple add-ins is described. A first add-in is called to calculate a first partial tax owed and the first partial tax is received back. A second add-in is called to calculate a second partial tax owed and the second partial tax is received back. A total tax is calculated by adding the first partial tax with the second partial tax. A configuration user interface is also provided by the add-in.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing techniques for handling taxes in computer-based sales transactions. In a sales transaction, a buyer makes a purchase from a seller. The purchase has a purchase price and a tax amount owed on the purchase. In one aspect, the techniques include using a tax handling proxy to identify a tax calculation service for a sales transaction and to interact with the identified tax calculation service to obtain the tax amount for the sales transaction. The tax calculation service is provided by a governmental tax authority. In another aspect, the techniques include transferring payment for a tax amount from the buyer to the governmental tax authority without passing through the seller. The payment for the tax amount is transferred contemporaneously with a transfer of a payment for the purchase price to the seller.

Abstract: A casino receives activity from a player, both in-house and on-line. The player's activities are combined in a single account stored by the casino. The combined activities can then be used to the player's benefit, for example by awarding benefits to the player, allowing the player to access his activity across a network, or by preparing for the player a tax statement based on his year-to-date activities.

Abstract: For a multi-party advertising exchange including advertising and publishing entities, each participant specifies tax rate(s), such as import tax and export tax, that apply to at least one other entity in the exchange. Since tax rate(s) can be expressed in different transactional terms by different parties, each tax rate is reduced to a common tax rate expression within the exchange for comparison. Intelligent tax rate selection and support can be provided to dynamically set tax rates that achieve utilitarian goals for the individual participants taking into account the tax rates expressed by other participants and their respective advertising goals, and dynamically adjusting tax rates over time in response to condition changes. Various refinements are provided and disclosed according to a host of optional implementations.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that implements a tax service that is configurable for local jurisdictions by an expert in the field, such as a tax professional, who may have little or no knowledge of computer programming. The system operates by receiving a request from a subscriber, wherein servicing the request involves calculating taxes for one or more local jurisdictions. Tax rules for a local jurisdiction can be fed into a tax rule base that is used by a tax engine that is configured to use these externally specified rules in performing tax computations. Next, the system uses the tax engine to calculate taxes for each local jurisdiction, and subsequently uses the results of the calculations in servicing the request.

Abstract: A method for associating a tax-line item to a user transaction in a financial management software application including obtaining the user transaction by the financial management software application, associating a first tax line item with the user transaction, where the tax line item is selected by accepting input from a user separately from categorizing the transaction, and presenting the user transaction and the first tax line item selected by the user.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that is designed in a manner that processes used for determining or administering taxes for a transaction apply tax rules that are specified (by a tax user) using configurable templates. During operation, the system receives a transaction for which taxes are to be determined during which a process may require the application of rules. The system then examines a configurable template associated with a tax rule, wherein the configurable template identifies a set of attributes associated with the transaction. The system also examines a condition group for the set of attributes. If each condition of the condition group is satisfied, the system, by way of completing the said process, uses the process result that is associated with the condition group for the process.

Abstract: An electronic intermediary electronically connects with a tax data provider and collects electronically tax data from the tax data provider. The electronic intermediary processes the tax data collected electronically, and prepares an electronic tax return using the processed tax data. The electronic intermediary connects electronically with a taxing authority, files the electronic tax return with the taxing authority, and arranges electronically for the payment or receipt of any tax liability or refund, respectively.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for managing sales tax information. The information may be generated, for example, in connection with transactions involving financial accounts, such as a credit card account. The sales tax information may be received electronically from, for example, a merchant or a point of sale device. A determination may be made whether there is any missing sales tax information. If there is missing information a request may be generated and sent to a source having the information. The source may receive the request, retrieve the desired information, and transmit it to the requesting entity. The sales tax information may be stored and later retrieved for presentation to a user, such as the account holder. The account holder may use the information in completing a tax return.

Abstract: A random weight item transaction system include a scale with label RIFD tag functionality, service person RFID tag functionality and customer RFID tag functionality. A slicer in proximity to the scale may include service person and bulk food product RFID functionalities. The scale may make weigh transaction data available to a computerized checkout system via a communications link or via writing the information to the label RFID tag.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a network that tracks international shipments. In particular, it relates to automatic linking of supporting documents to electronic reports of shipment movements, including cross-border movements, and automatic detection when a shipment movement has reached a threshold condition, which may to be reported to an interested party, such as a bank.

Abstract: A fiscal data recorder for storing transaction related data in a point of sale system is provided with a processing unit receiving the transaction related data. Memory in communication with the processing unit is operable to store the transaction related data. A protection circuit acting between the processing unit and the memory inhibits the electronic tampering with the transaction data stored in the memory.

Abstract: A point-of-sale, value-added payment processing system and method thereof comprising, in general, a central server system connected to a data processing and storage device that utilizes a computer program adapted to host, accrue, calculate, disburse and report monthly donations earned by a participating merchant, based upon credit card processing transaction volume, thus offering a simple and easy to use turnkey solution that can integrate a complete donation funding option at the point of sale device, wherein merchants receive a point-of-sale benefit, related to payment processing transactions, in the form of a donation based upon transaction totals, wherein software tracks and reports the transaction-generated donations maintained in escrow, and wherein such informational data is readily accessible to participating merchants in order that each merchant may selectively access escrow donations for contribution to a customer's immediate need.

Abstract: A point of sale (POS) device may be configured to locate a payment system and transmit a payment authorization request from a remote location to a payment system, either directly, or via a payment system directory and/or a SSL Gateway. The invention also includes inserting third party account information into an encrypted portion of the payment request, so the payment request appears as a normal request to the issuing bank, but the third party account information may be used by the third party to bill the customer. The payment system directory is further configured to determine one or more payment processors to direct a payment authorization request, such that a single transaction may me allocated among multiple payment processors for authorization. Moreover, the payment system directory is able to format alternative payment methods into a format that is able to be processed over existing payment networks.

Abstract: A point of sale (POS) device may be configured to locate a payment system and transmit a payment authorization request from a remote location to a payment system, either directly, or via a payment system directory and/or a SSL Gateway. The invention also includes inserting third party account information into an encrypted portion of the payment request, so the payment request appears as a normal request to the issuing bank, but the third party account information may be used by the third party to bill the customer. The payment system directory is further configured to determine one or more payment processors to direct a payment authorization request, such that a single transaction may me allocated among multiple payment processors for authorization. Moreover, the payment system directory is able to format alternative payment methods into a format that is able to be processed over existing payment networks.

Abstract: A point of sale (POS) device may be configured to locate a payment system and transmit a payment authorization request from a remote location to a payment system, either directly, or via a payment system directory and/or a SSL Gateway. The invention also includes inserting third party account information into an encrypted portion of the payment request, so the payment request appears as a normal request to the issuing bank, but the third party account information may be used by the third party to bill the customer. The payment system directory is further configured to determine one or more payment processors to direct a payment authorization request, such that a single transaction may me allocated among multiple payment processors for authorization. Moreover, the payment system directory is able to format alternative payment methods into a format that is able to be processed over existing payment networks.

Abstract: A point of sale (POS) device may be configured to locate a payment system and transmit a payment authorization request from a remote location to a payment system, either directly, or via a payment system directory and/or a SSL Gateway. The invention also includes inserting third party account information into an encrypted portion of the payment request, so the payment request appears as a normal request to the issuing bank, but the third party account information may be used by the third party to bill the customer. The payment system directory is further configured to determine one or more payment processors to direct a payment authorization request, such that a single transaction may me allocated among multiple payment processors for authorization. Moreover, the payment system directory is able to format alternative payment methods into a format that is able to be processed over existing payment networks.

Abstract: A point of sale (POS) device may be configured to locate a payment system and transmit a payment authorization request from a remote location to a payment system, either directly, or via a payment system directory and/or a SSL Gateway. The invention also includes inserting third party account information into an encrypted portion of the payment request, so the payment request appears as a normal request to the issuing bank, but the third party account information may be used by the third party to bill the customer. The payment system directory is further configured to determine one or more payment processors to direct a payment authorization request, such that a single transaction may me allocated among multiple payment processors for authorization. Moreover, the payment system directory is able to format alternative payment methods into a format that is able to be processed over existing payment networks.

Abstract: A point of sale (POS) device may be configured to locate a payment system and transmit a payment authorization request from a remote location to a payment system, either directly, or via a payment system directory and/or a SSL Gateway. The invention also includes inserting third party account information into an encrypted portion of the payment request, so the payment request appears as a normal request to the issuing bank, but the third party account information may be used by the third party to bill the customer. The payment system directory is further configured to determine one or more payment processors to direct a payment authorization request, such that a single transaction may me allocated among multiple payment processors for authorization. Moreover, the payment system directory is able to format alternative payment methods into a format that is able to be processed over existing payment networks.

Abstract: A point of sale (POS) device may be configured to locate a payment system and transmit a payment authorization request from a remote location to a payment system, either directly, or via a payment system directory and/or a SSL Gateway. The invention also includes inserting third party account information into an encrypted portion of the payment request, so the payment request appears as a normal request to the issuing bank, but the third party account information may be used by the third party to bill the customer. The payment system directory is further configured to determine one or more payment processors to direct a payment authorization request, such that a single transaction may me allocated among multiple payment processors for authorization. Moreover, the payment system directory is able to format alternative payment methods into a format that is able to be processed over existing payment networks.

Abstract: A point of sale (POS) device may be configured to locate a payment system and transmit a payment authorization request from a remote location to a payment system, either directly, or via a payment system directory and/or a SSL Gateway. The invention also includes inserting third party account information into an encrypted portion of the payment request, so the payment request appears as a normal request to the issuing bank, but the third party account information may be used by the third party to bill the customer. The payment system directory is further configured to determine one or more payment processors to direct a payment authorization request, such that a single transaction may me allocated among multiple payment processors for authorization. Moreover, the payment system directory is able to format alternative payment methods into a format that is able to be processed over existing payment networks.