U.S. patent application number 13/685267 was filed with the patent office on 2013-03-28 for method and system for organizing tax information and providing tax advice.
This patent application is currently assigned to HRB INNOVATIONS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is HRB Innovations, Inc.. Invention is credited to Tom Allanson, Neal Shaw, Marc West.
Application Number | 20130080302 13/685267 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39676973 |
Filed Date | 2013-03-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130080302 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Allanson; Tom ; et
al. |
March 28, 2013 |
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ORGANIZING TAX INFORMATION AND PROVIDING TAX
ADVICE
Abstract
A method includes providing to a user a set of
computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a user's
electronic device, generate a user interface displayable on a
display device coupled to the user's electronic device, presenting
to the user via the user interface a plurality of solicitations for
a set of personal information describing characteristics of the
user, receiving via the user interface the personal information
set, and, based on the personal information set, generating to the
user interface a checklist of tax return preparation information to
be compiled by the user.
Inventors: |
Allanson; Tom; (Cardiff by
the Sea, CA) ; West; Marc; (Kansas City, MO) ;
Shaw; Neal; (Shawnee, KS) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HRB Innovations, Inc.; |
Kansas City |
MO |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
HRB INNOVATIONS, INC.
Kansas City
MO
|
Family ID: |
39676973 |
Appl. No.: |
13/685267 |
Filed: |
November 26, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12881799 |
Sep 14, 2010 |
8321312 |
|
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13685267 |
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11948737 |
Nov 30, 2007 |
7818222 |
|
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12881799 |
|
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60868051 |
Nov 30, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/31 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 40/025 20130101;
G06Q 40/02 20130101; G06Q 40/123 20131203; G06Q 40/12 20131203 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/31 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 40/00 20060101
G06Q040/00 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: providing to a user a set of
computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a user's
electronic device, generates a user interface displayable on a
display device coupled to the user's electronic device; presenting
to the user via the user interface at least one question requesting
tax-related information regarding the user; receiving via the user
interface an answer from or selection by the user to the request
for tax-related information; based on the received answer from or
selection by the user to the request for tax-related information,
generating for presentation at the user interface a checklist of
documents to be gathered by the user for preparation of the user's
tax return; presenting to the user via the user interface
explanatory information regarding at least one of the documents in
the checklist of documents, wherein the explanatory information
regarding the document advises the user of potential issues related
to the document; receiving an indication via the user interface
that the user desires more information regarding the request for
tax-related information; presenting to the user additional
information regarding the request for tax-related information,
wherein the additional information is presented to the user in the
same user interface as the request for tax-related information.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the document with the potential
issue is a W2, and the potential issue is that the user is unable
to electronically file their tax return or qualify for refund
anticipation loans if the W2 is handwritten.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the checklist is generated
incrementally to the user interface as the user responds to the
request for tax-related information.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the additional information
regarding the request for tax-related information is presented to
the user via the user interface upon the user hovering or clicking
with a pointer, controlled by a pointing device, over the request
for tax-related information presented on the user interface.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein presenting the request for
tax-related information includes presenting questions regarding tax
filing status, income, and deductions.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of storing
the received answer from or selection by the user to the request
for tax-related information in a tax-return preparation
program.
7. The method of claim 6, further comprising transferring the
stored answer from or selection by the user to the request for
tax-related information to the tax-return preparation program.
8. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having
computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a user's
electronic device, enable the user's electronic device to perform
steps comprising: generating a user interface displayable on a
display associated with the user's electronic device; presenting to
the user via the user interface at least one question requesting
tax-related information regarding the user; receiving via the user
interface an answer from or selection by the user to the request
for tax-related information; based on the received answer from or
selection by the user to the request for tax-related information,
generating for presentation at the user interface a checklist of
documents to be gathered by the user for preparation of the user's
tax return; presenting to the user via the user interface
explanatory information regarding at least one of the documents in
the checklist of documents, wherein the explanatory information
regarding the document advises the user of potential issues related
to the document; receiving an indication via the user interface
that the user desires more information regarding the request for
tax-related information; presenting to the user additional
information regarding the request for tax-related information,
wherein the additional information is presented to the user in the
same user interface as the request for tax-related information.
9. The computer-readable medium of claim 8, wherein the document
with the potential issue is a W2, and the potential issue is that
the user is unable to electronically file their tax return or
qualify for refund anticipation loans if the W2 is handwritten.
10. The computer-readable medium of claim 8, wherein the checklist
is generated incrementally to the user interface as the user
responds to the request for tax-related information.
11. The computer-readable medium of claim 8, wherein the additional
information regarding the request for tax-related information is
presented to the user via the user interface upon the user hovering
or clicking with a pointer, controlled by a pointing device, over
the request for tax-related information presented on the user
interface.
12. The computer-readable medium of claim 8, wherein presenting the
request for tax-related information includes presenting questions
regarding tax filing status, income, and deductions.
13. The computer-readable medium of claim 8, wherein the
computer-executable instructions further enable the user's device
to store the received answer from or selection by the user to the
request for tax-related information in a tax-return preparation
program.
14. The computer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the
computer-executable instructions further enable the user's device
to transfer the stored answer from or selection by the user to the
request for tax-related information to the tax-return preparation
program.
15. A system comprising: (a) a memory device; and (b) a first
electronic device coupled to the memory device and configured to
perform the following steps: generate a user interface displayable
on a display associated with the first electronic device; present
to the user via the user interface at least one question requesting
tax-related information regarding the user; receive via the user
interface an answer from or selection by the user to the request
for tax-related information; based on the received answer from or
selection by the user to the request for tax-related information,
generate for presentation at the user interface a checklist of
documents to be gathered by the user for preparation of the user's
tax return; present to the user via the user interface explanatory
information regarding at least one of the documents in the
checklist of documents, wherein the explanatory information
regarding the document advises the user of potential issues related
to the document; receive an indication via the user interface that
the user desires more information regarding the request for
tax-related information; present to the user additional information
regarding the request for tax-related information, wherein the
additional information is presented to the user in the same user
interface as the request for tax-related information.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the document with the potential
issue is a W2, and the potential issue is that the user is unable
to electronically file their tax return or qualify for refund
anticipation loans if the W2 is handwritten.
17. The system of claim 15, wherein the checklist is generated
incrementally to the user interface as the user responds to the
request for tax-related information.
18. The system of claim 15, wherein the system further includes a
pointing device and further wherein the additional information
regarding the request for tax-related information is presented to
the user via the user interface upon the user hovering or clicking
with a pointer, controlled by the pointing device, over the request
for tax-related information presented on the user interface.
19. The system of claim 15, wherein presenting the request for
tax-related information includes presenting questions regarding tax
filing status, income, and deductions.
20. The system of claim 15, wherein the first electronic device is
further enabled to (a) store the received answer from or selection
by the user to the request for tax-related information in a
tax-return preparation program, and (b) transfer the stored answer
from or selection by the user to the request for tax-related
information to the tax-return preparation program.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation, and claims
priority benefit with regard to all common subject matter, of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 12/881,799, filed Sep. 14, 2010, and
entitled "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ORGANIZING TAX INFORMATION AND
PROVIDING TAX ADVICE," which is now U.S. Pat. No. 8,321,312, issued
Nov. 27, 2012 ("the '312 Patent"). The '312 Patent is a
continuation application and claims priority benefit from U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/948,737, filed Nov. 30, 2007, and
entitled "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ORGANIZING TAX INFORMATION AND
PROVIDING TAX ADVICE," which is now U.S. Pat. No. 7,818,222, issued
Oct. 19, 2010 ("the '222 Patent"). The '222 Patent is a
non-provisional application and claims priority benefit from U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/868,051, filed Nov. 30, 2006,
and entitled "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ORGANIZING TAX INFORMATION AND
PROVIDING TAX ADVICE." The earlier-filed patents and patent
application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety
into the present application.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Many of those who prepare for filing tax returns are
unfamiliar with and may be confused by the type and/or amount of
data needed to answer tax return questions and the supporting
documentation that is required to be submitted with a tax return.
No known electronic tax-preparation products inform return filers
of the documentation and other materials required to enable return
preparation.
SUMMARY
[0003] In an embodiment of the invention, a method includes
providing to a user a set of computer-executable instructions that,
when executed by a user's electronic device, generate a user
interface displayable on a display device coupled to the user's
electronic device, presenting to the user via the user interface a
plurality of solicitations for a set of personal information
describing characteristics of the user, receiving via the user
interface the personal information set, and, based on the personal
information set, generating to the user interface a checklist of
tax return preparation information to be compiled by the user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Preferred and alternative embodiments of the present
invention are described in detail below with reference to the
following drawings.
[0005] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary operating
environment in which an embodiment of the invention can be
implemented;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary
operating environment in which an embodiment of the invention can
be implemented;
[0007] FIGS. 3-8 show screenshots of a user interface in accordance
with an embodiment of the systems and methods described herein;
and
[0008] FIG. 9 shows a diagram of a process in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a computing system
environment 100 in which an embodiment of the invention may be
implemented. The computing system environment 100, as illustrated,
is an example of a suitable computing environment; however it is
appreciated that other environments, systems, and devices may be
used to implement various embodiments of the invention as described
in more detail below.
[0010] Embodiments of the invention are operational with numerous
other general-purpose or special purpose computing system
environments or configurations. Examples of well-known computing
systems, environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable
for use with embodiments of the invention include, but are not
limited to, personal computers, server computers, hand-held or
laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based
systems, set-top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network
PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computing
environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and
the like.
[0011] Embodiments of the invention may be described in the general
context of computer-executable instructions, such as program
modules being executed by a computer. Generally, program modules
include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures,
etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract
data types. Embodiments of the invention may also be practiced in
distributed-computing environments where tasks are performed by
remote processing devices that are linked through a communications
network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules
may be located in both local and remote computer storage media
including memory storage devices.
[0012] With reference to FIG. 1, an exemplary system for
implementing an embodiment of the invention includes a computing
device, such as computing device 100. The computing device 100
typically includes at least one processing unit 102 and memory
104.
[0013] Depending on the exact configuration and type of computing
device, memory 104 may be volatile (such as random-access memory
(RAM)), nonvolatile (such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory,
etc.) or some combination of the two. This most basic configuration
is illustrated in FIG. 1 by dashed line 106.
[0014] Additionally, the device 100 may have additional features,
aspects, and functionality. For example, the device 100 may include
additional storage (removable and/or non-removable) which may take
the form of, but is not limited to, magnetic or optical disks or
tapes. Such additional storage is illustrated in FIG. 1 by
removable storage 108 and non-removable storage 110. Computer
storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable and
non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for
storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data
structures, program modules or other data. Memory 104, removable
storage 108 and non-removable storage 110 are all examples of
computer storage media. Computer storage media includes, but is not
limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory
technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical
storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage
or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be
used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by
device 100. Any such computer storage media may be part of device
100.
[0015] The device 100 may also include a communications connection
112 that allows the device to communicate with other devices. The
communications connection 112 is an example of communication media.
Communication media typically embodies computer-readable
instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a
modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport
mechanism and includes any information delivery media. The term
"modulated data signal" means a signal that has one or more of its
characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode
information in the signal. By way of example, the communication
media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired
connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, radio-frequency
(RF), infrared and other wireless media. The term computer-readable
media as used herein includes both storage media and communication
media.
[0016] The device 100 may also have an input device 114 such as
keyboard, mouse, pen, voice-input device, touch-input device, etc.
Further, an output device 116 such as a display, speakers, printer,
etc. may also be included. Additional input devices 114 and output
devices 116 may be included depending on a desired functionality of
the device 100.
[0017] Referring now to FIG. 2, an embodiment of the present
invention takes the form of an exemplary computer network system
200. The system 200 includes an electronic client device 210, such
as a personal computer or workstation, that is linked via a
communication medium, such as a network 220 (e.g., the Internet),
to an electronic device or system, such as a server 230. The server
230 may further be coupled, or otherwise have access, to a database
240 and a computer system 260. Although the embodiment illustrated
in FIG. 2 includes one server 230 coupled to one client device 210
via the network 220, it should be recognized that embodiments of
the invention may be implemented using one or more such client
devices coupled to one or more such servers.
[0018] The client device 210 and the server 230 may include all or
fewer than all of the features associated with the device 100
illustrated in and discussed with reference to FIG. 1. The client
device 210 includes or is otherwise coupled to a computer screen or
display 250. The client device 210 may be used for various purposes
such as network- and local-computing processes.
[0019] The client device 210 is linked via the network 220 to
server 230 so that computer programs, such as, for example, a
browser, running on the client device 210 can cooperate in two-way
communication with server 230. The server 230 may be coupled to
database 240 to retrieve information therefrom and to store
information thereto. Database 240 may include a plurality of
different tables (not shown) that can be used by the server 230 to
enable performance of various aspects of embodiments of the
invention. Additionally, the server 230 may be coupled to the
computer system 260 in a manner allowing the server to delegate
certain processing functions to the computer system.
[0020] Still referring to FIG. 2, and in operation according to an
embodiment of the invention, a user (not shown) of the client
device 210 desiring to electronically generate a checklist of
relevant documents or other required information for preparing a
tax return uses a browser application running on the client device
to access web content, which may, but need not, be served by the
server 230. Specifically, by employing an appropriate uniform
resource locator (URL) in a known manner, the user may download
from the server 230 and install on the client device 210 a tax
organizer user interface module 280 comprising computer-executable
instructions as described more fully hereinafter. Alternatively,
the user may receive the module 280 on a tangible computer-readable
medium (not shown), such as, for example, a CD-ROM, and
subsequently install the module on the client device 210 from the
medium.
[0021] Upon execution of the module 280 by the client device 210, a
user interface such as that described with reference to FIGS. 3-8,
for example, may be displayed on the display device 250. In an
example embodiment, the client device 210 is configured similarly
to the computing device 100 of FIG. 1, with the module 280 stored
in the memory unit 104 and providing instructions for the
processing unit 102. In this example, execution of the module 280
causes the processing unit 102 to operate in such a way that the
processing unit 102 may be described as having a first component
configured to generate a graphical user interface for a tax-return
organization program, a second component configured to present
solicitations, such as questions, to a user through the user
interface on the display, a third component configured to receive
answers (e.g., a personal information set) from the user to the
presented questions, a fourth component configured to generate a
tax preparation checklist based on the received answers, and a
fifth component configured to present the tax preparation checklist
on the display. In additional examples, the processing unit 102 may
be described as having one or more of a sixth component configured
to generate advice based on the received answers, a seventh
component configured to present the advice on the display, an
eighth component configured to store the received answers in the
memory for use in a tax preparation program, and a ninth component
configured to transfer the stored answers to the tax preparation
program. In some embodiments, the fifth component is configured to
present the tax preparation checklist incrementally as the user
answers the questions and/or the second component is configured to
present questions regarding marital status, income, and
deductions.
[0022] Some example embodiments of the module 280 are referred to
as Organizit.TM. An example embodiment of the invention includes a
tax organizer which is embodied via desktop software, online
application executed and/or served by, for example, server 230, or
combination of both with accompanying expertise and advice about
the client's personalized tax situation. An embodiment produces a
tax-return preparation checklist along with advice about the
client's tax and financial situation that the user can print. In
addition, the embodiment allows users to transfer their information
into electronic tax-return preparation applications that may
include H&R Block.RTM. products, such as Online Office.TM. and
OB1.TM.. Certain aspects of the OB1 product are more fully
described in commonly owned and co-pending U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/838,761 titled `Tax-Return Preparation Systems and
Methods`, filed Aug. 14, 2007 which is incorporated by reference
herein in its entirety. Some embodiments of the invention may also
be used in conjunction with other tax preparation applications,
aspects of which are disclosed in commonly owned and co-pending
U.S. patent application Ser. Nos.: 11/334,033 titled `User
Interface for Tax-Return Preparation`, filed Jan. 17, 2006 and
published as US 2007/0033116; 11/334,730 titled `User Interface and
Data Acquisition for Tax-Return Preparation`, filed Jan. 17, 2006
and published as US 2007/0033117; and 11/334,032 titled
`Distributed Tax-Return-Preparation Processing`, filed Jan. 17,
2006 and published as US 2007/0033130 all of which are incorporated
by reference herein in their entirety.
[0023] An example embodiment helps users get organized to do their
taxes and get educated about their personal tax situation by having
them answer simple questions about their life and financial
situation. In an embodiment, the program does not ask the user any
personally identifying information such as name, social security
number (SSN), etc. After answers are entered, the program gives the
user a personalized tax preparation checklist of items which apply
to the user based on their answers as well as expertise related to
each item and advice such as recommendations specifically targeted
towards enhancing the user's tax preparation experience, regardless
of whether or not they go to a tax professional or prepare their
taxes themselves. Once complete, users can transfer the information
that they entered in accordance with an embodiment to either have
their taxes prepared remotely with a tax professional via Online
Office, or the user can transfer the information into a
do-it-yourself (DIY) online or local application.
[0024] An embodiment includes a tool which not only provides a list
of what the user will need to gather to take with them to a tax
professional or have when they prepare their own taxes, but also
educates and empowers the user to better understand their tax and
financial situation. For example, when a user indicates that they
have a W2 form, the user is alerted to the fact that if they have a
handwritten W2 they will be unable to eFile or qualify for refund
anticipation loans, etc.
[0025] An embodiment is structured to have people focus on their
life situation. In an example embodiment, users can quickly click
down through statements which apply to them, and as they do so,
their tax preparation checklist builds, showing them which forms
and/or supporting documentation they need. Users can easily find
out more information by clicking on links to additional information
items, also referred to as `Tax Tips`, which provide specific
expertise related to each item that the users have identified as
applying to them. Identification of life events such as being
married or having a baby also generates links to specific content
relevant to the user. Advice specific to what the user needs to
know before they go to have their taxes prepared is presented. This
educates, empowers and encourages users to discuss key pieces of
information with their tax professionals to make certain they
communicate their situation and get the most from their tax
preparation experience. Once complete, users can print all of this
valuable information, or transfer it to a do-it-yourself product
locally or online so there is no need to start over. Working with a
tax professional is easily just a click away. For those who are
looking for the ease and expertise of a tax professional, but the
convenience of working remotely, clients can choose to work with a
tax professional from a remote location over a network, such as by
using the Virtual Tax Office offered by H & R Block, for
example. For those who choose to work in person with a tax
professional in their area, interactive maps and office information
is available right within the organizer itself.
[0026] An embodiment of the invention may be employed in the
commercial `do it yourself` tax software market as a product
targeting those clients who are looking for expertise in their tax
return preparation. Tax software also targets segments of tax
consumers having more complex tax returns, but looking for easier
and more user-friendly solutions in preparing their taxes.
[0027] In an embodiment, users are oriented by being presented with
questions throughout an interview via an organization of tabs
and/or nested accordions which are explained in more detail below.
This facilitates the ability for the user to orient themselves
throughout the interview, go back to previously entered information
and/or go forward to different portions. In addition, the flow of
the interview is modified throughout the experience based on the
responses of the user. Responses to certain questions may prompt
additional data entry and/or questions that are presented based on
the response. This reduces the time necessary to read unrelated
questions and/or streamlines the consumer experience to focus on
just those questions that are pertinent to the user. Users can see
relevant information as they progress through the interview.
[0028] FIG. 3 shows a screenshot of a user interface 400 of an
embodiment of the systems and methods described herein, such as the
user interface that is displayed upon execution of the module 280
shown in FIG. 2, for example. In one embodiment the interface 400
is generally configured to be served over a network to the user's
computer from a location remote from the user's computer. In an
additional embodiment, the interface 400 is generally configured to
be generated by a desktop application residing on the user's
computer. The interface 400 includes a tab bar 402, the tab bar 402
being interactive and capable of being selected by a user, using a
conventional pointer. A tab is a high level navigation tool found
in the tab bar 402 in one embodiment. Each tab represents a topical
selection. In one embodiment, the tab operates as a container for
each of the various tax topics that can logically be grouped
together.
[0029] In the example shown, the tab bar 402 includes a welcome tab
404, a personal tab 410, an income tab 415, a deductions tab 420,
and a summary tab 425. In an embodiment, the income tab 415
includes topics related to income earned, the personal tab 410
includes non-identifying personal information related to filing a
tax return such as marital status, and the deductions tab 420
includes deductions that a taxpayer may take during the current tax
year. Also included are the welcome tab 404, which provides a user
with general welcome information, and a summary tab 425, which
provides a user with a summary of a generated checklist and further
options such as printing.
[0030] A tab becomes active when a user selects the tab using a
computer peripheral pointing device, such as a mouse. An inactive
tab is any tab that is not selected and does not show it contents
while another tab is selected as active. In some embodiments, tabs
may also be activated using a hover status, which allows an
inactive tab to become active when a pointer hovers over the
inactive tab. If the pointer is held over a tab using a pointing
device for preferably three to five seconds, a click event occurs
and that tab is activated. In an example embodiment, information
related to an active tab is presented in a first window area 430
and a tax preparation checklist 440 is presented in a second window
area 442 that is separated from the first window area 430 by a pane
444. Other presentation formats may be used in other
embodiments.
[0031] In FIG. 3, the personal tab 410 is active. In an example
embodiment, non-identifying personal information is requested. Such
non-identifying personal information may include tax filing status
(single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of
household, qualifying widow(er), etc.), age, spouse's age,
educational institution attendance, military service, and dependent
information. Hovering or clicking with a pointer controlled by a
pointing device such as a mouse over/on a particular question or
question mark icon may cause a flyout 446 to appear in some
embodiments. The flyout 446 provides additional information to help
the user correctly provide the requested information. The flyout
446 shown in FIG. 3 is associated with a selection of year 2006
single filing status and states that single filing status should be
used if the user was single on Dec. 31, 2006 and is not living with
a dependent (child or disabled adult).
[0032] FIG. 4 shows a screenshot of the interface 400 after
information has been entered in the first window area 430
associated with the personal tab 410. Information may be entered in
a plurality of ways in varying embodiments. In FIG. 4, it can be
seen that radio buttons, check boxes, and alphanumeric entry
windows are used. As information is entered, the names of related
supporting documents and other required information are presented
in the tax preparation checklist 440 so the user will know which
documents/information they will need to provide or have at the
ready when preparing their taxes.
[0033] In some embodiments, information is requested from the user
only if they have indicated in a higher level question that such
information is relevant. For example, the information listed below
a "Dependents" checkbox in FIG. 4 only appears (in the illustrated
embodiment, in cascade fashion) after the Dependents checkbox has
been checked affirmatively by the user. This can also be seen with
reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, where a "Got married in 2006" checkbox
appears after the married filing jointly radio button has been
selected. A continue button 448 is also used in some examples to
indicate that a user is finished with a current section and wishes
to proceed to a following section. Some embodiments also use
accordions to control the display of information. FIG. 3 shows a
"Personal Information" accordion and a "Personal Summary"
accordion. The Personal Information accordion is shown in an
expanded state, while the Personal Summary accordion is shown in a
closed state. Accordions may be expanded or closed by clicking on a
triangular shaped or other icon in an accordion header bar that
describes the content of the accordion. The structure and use of
accordions is also described in a different context in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/838,761 titled `Tax-Return Preparation
Systems and Methods`, filed Aug. 14, 2007, which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
[0034] FIG. 5 shows the active personal tab 410 of the user
interface 400 after personal information has been entered by the
user. After the required information has been entered, advice
relating to the entered information may be presented to the user.
This advice is shown in a number of expandable accordions that are
labeled as including tax tips. Expansion of a tax tip accordion
provides advice to the user relating to particular aspects of their
situation, such as the fact that they had a dependent child that
attended daycare during the taxable year, for example.
[0035] FIG. 6 shows the user interface 400 after the income tab 415
has been activated and information has been entered by the user.
Information such as wage, salary, and tip (form W-2) income,
interest and dividend income, and investment income is requested on
the active income tab 415. As indications are made that the user
had particular forms of income during the taxable year, the tax
preparation checklist 440 grows to indicate the relevant supporting
documents that will be needed for tax preparation. In some cases,
there may be more information than can be displayed in the first
window area 430 or the second window area 442. In those cases, a
first scroll bar 450 for the first window area 430 and/or a second
scroll bar 452 for the second window area 442 may be used to scroll
through the information. Other means such as next page and previous
page buttons (not shown) may also be used in some embodiments to
view more information than can be displayed in any particular
window.
[0036] FIG. 7 shows the user interface 400 after the deductions tab
420 has been activated and information has been entered by the
user. Information such as whether the user paid home mortgage
interest, donated money to charities, or had individual retirement
account (IRA) contributions during the taxable year is requested on
the active deductions tab 420. As indications are made that the
user had particular forms of income during the taxable year, the
tax preparation checklist 440 grows to indicate the relevant
supporting documents that will be needed for tax preparation.
[0037] FIG. 8 shows an example of the user interface 400 after the
summary tab 425 has been activated and an accordion designated as
`takeit--tax preparation checklist` has been expanded. The expanded
accordion includes items that appeared in the tax preparation
checklist 440, but they now appear in the first window area 430
rather than in the second window area 442. The second window area
442 now includes a title bar 460 designated as `you got people`.
The second window area 442 also includes a set of selectable
utilities operable to facilitate preparation of a tax return. Such
utilities include a `print my organizer` section 462, a `go to an
office` section 464, an `online office` section 466, a `tax
calculators` section 468, and a `do it yourself` section 470. In an
example embodiment, clicking on the `print my organizer` section
462 brings up a print dialog box (not shown) and sends the tax
preparation checklist to a designated printer. In some embodiments,
relevant tax tips, such as those described with reference to FIG.
5, may also be sent to the designated printer for printing.
[0038] Still referring to FIG. 8, in one example clicking on the
`go to an office` section 464 brings up a search dialog that
requests the user to enter a location near which they would like to
find the nearest office offering professional return-preparation
services. After the user enters location information, information
for one or more of the closest offices to the entered location is
presented to the user. Such information may include an address,
telephone number, email address, and/or a fax number for the office
locations, a map of the office locations, and/or directions to the
office locations. Clicking on the `online office` section 466
brings up additional information that can enable the user to work
with a tax professional over a computer network, such as the
network 220 shown in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the user is able
to transfer the answers they provided to the questions on the
personal tab 410, the income tab 415, and the deductions tab 420 to
the tax professional to expedite the tax preparation process.
Clicking on the `tax calculators` section 468 brings up additional
tax tools and calculators for the user. Clicking on the `do it
yourself` section 470 brings up and/or links to a do it yourself
tax application such as OB 1. In some embodiments, the user is able
to transfer the answers they provided to the do it yourself tax
application. In an example embodiment, the user interface 400 also
includes other accordion items (not shown) under the summary tab
425, that are viewable in the first window area 430 when the
`takeit--tax preparation checklist` accordion is closed and/or when
a user scrolls down the first window area 430 by using the first
scroll bar 450. Such other accordion items include a `reviewit`
accordion for providing an opportunity to review the entered
answers and/or to present a closing statement to the user, an
`understandit--items to consider` accordion for presenting tailored
advice to the user, and a `that's it--what's next` accordion for
presenting information to the user regarding tax preparation
options.
[0039] FIG. 9 illustrates a process 700 according to an embodiment
of the invention. The process 700 is illustrated as a set of
operations shown as discrete blocks. The process 700 may be
implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or
combination thereof. The order in which the operations are
described is not to be necessarily construed as a limitation.
[0040] First, at a block 710, a user is provided with a set of
computer-executable instructions that, when executed by an
electronic device, generate a user interface displayable on a
display device coupled to the electronic device. Then, at a block
714, questions are presented to the user through the user
interface. Next, at a block 718, answers are received from the user
to the presented questions. Then, at a block 722, a tax preparation
checklist is generated based on the received answers. Next, at a
block 726, advice is generated based on the received answers. Then,
at a block 730, the tax preparation checklist is presented to the
user. Next, at a block 734, the advice is presented to the user.
Then, at a block 738, the received answers are stored, such as on
the non-removable storage device 110 shown in FIG. 1 or database
240 of FIG. 2. Next, at a block 740, the tax preparation checklist
is printed. Then, at a block 744, the stored answers are
transferred to a tax preparation program.
[0041] Although the steps listed in the method 700 are presented in
a particular order in FIG. 9, it should be understood that many of
the steps may occur in differing orders or simultaneously without
departing from the invention. For example, the tax preparation
checklist and the advice may be presented in differing orders or
simultaneously to the user. In addition, in an example embodiment,
the tax preparation checklist is presented incrementally to the
user as the user answers the presented questions. In some
embodiments, the steps may be performed on the user's computer,
while in other embodiments, some or all of the steps are conducted
over a computer network, such as the network 220 shown in FIG. 2,
for example. In other embodiments, storing the received answers may
occur after each answer is entered or not at all, and/or stored
answers may not be transferred to a tax preparation program and/or
items may not be printed.
[0042] While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been
illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the
disclosure of the preferred embodiment. Instead, the invention
should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that
follow.
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