Web Based Tax Preparation

• US 20120022983A1
• Filed: 07/22/2010
• Published: 01/26/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 07/22/2010
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Terrell D. Hughes Jr
• Original Assignee: Terrell D. Hughes Jr
• Inventors: Hughes, Terrell D. Jr.
• Application Number:
  US12/841,666
• Publication Number:
  US 20120022983A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/31
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/02 Banking, e.g. interest calculation or account maintenance credit or loans G06Q40/03
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/123 Tax preparation or submission

Abstract

A web based tax preparation system may enable communication between an individual and a tax preparer by way of a kiosk or personal computer. The individual scans tax documents and checks the clarity of the scanned tax documents. Thereafter, the scanned and checked tax documents are transmitted to a tax preparer or made available to the tax preparer at which time the tax preparer and the individual are connected by way of a web conference. The tax preparer and the individual may simultaneously view the scanned tax documents as well as the tax return being prepared for the individual. This process streamlines the tax preparation process and also allows the individual to prepare his/her tax returns in the comfort of his/her own home as well as a kiosk which is less intimidating than making a personal appointment with a professional tax preparer.

Claims

1. A method of assisting an individual in preparing a tax return by a tax preparer, the method comprising the steps of:

receiving a scanned tax support document of the individual;

establishing at least a one way video feed from the tax preparer to the individual;

establishing two way voice communications between the tax preparer and the individual;

inputting information into the tax return based on the scanned tax support document and questions answered by the individual; and

transmitting the tax return inputted with information to the individual.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the establishing steps comprise the steps of establishing a web based video conference between the tax preparer and the individual.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of transmitting the inputted information to the individual as the information is being inputted so that the individual can view the tax return as the tax return is being completed by the tax preparer.

4. A method of assisting an individual in preparing a tax return by a tax preparer, the method comprising the steps of:

receiving a scanned tax support document of the individual;

establishing a web based conference with the individual wherein the individual and the tax preparer can simultaneously view updated information inputted into an electronic copy of the tax return as the tax preparer inputs the information into the tax return;

inputting information into the tax return based on the scanned tax support document and questions answered by the individual; and

transmitting the tax return inputted with information to the individual.

5. The method of claim 4 further comprising the step of establishing a two way voice communication between the individual and the tax preparer.

6. The method of claim 4 wherein the establishing step further comprising the step of establishing the web based conference with the individual wherein the individual and tax preparer can simultaneously view the scanned tax support documents and the tax return being prepared by the tax preparer.

7. A kiosk for assisting an individual in preparing a tax return by a tax preparer, the kiosk comprising:

a monitor for viewing one or more of a tax return, a tax support document of the individual and a video feed of the tax preparer;

a speaker and a microphone for establishing two way voice communication between the individual and the tax preparer;

a scanner for electronically imaging tax support documents;

a communication link for providing visual and voice data to the individual;

software loaded on a processor capable of performing the following step;

viewing information inputted into the tax return as the tax preparer inputs the information.

8. The kiosk of claim 7 wherein the monitor is a touch screen monitor.

9. The kiosk of claim 7 wherein the communication link is an internet connection.