Dynamic Time Estimation for Tax Return Applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved systems and methodologies to accurately calculate and display the estimated time required to complete a tax return application, considering factors like document availability and preparer pace, especially for partially completed applications, to alleviate user anxiety and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A user interface is generated to display a calculated estimate of the time remaining to complete a tax return application by determining necessary resources, differentiating between electronically and physically available documents, and updating the estimate based on user input or achieved checkpoints, incorporating user input and previous application data to provide a realistic completion time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the system calculates and displays an estimated time to completion, then user anxiety is reduced and motivation is improved, but the system complexity increases due to multiple calculation factors
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the time estimation into distinct components: base time for each deduction, adjustments for document availability (electronically vs. physically), and modifications based on user pace. This segmentation allows the complex estimation to be broken down into manageable parts that can be calculated and updated independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating base times for various deductions and pre-establishing adjustment factors for different document types. When a user begins the application, these pre-calculated values are readily available, reducing the computational burden during real-time usage and simplifying the overall system operation.
2Measurement precision
If the system updates the time estimate dynamically based on user progress and triggers, then the accuracy of the time estimate is improved, but the computational resources and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by updating the time estimate only at specific triggers rather than continuously. Triggers include completing a deduction, uploading a document, or explicit user requests. This periodic update mechanism maintains accuracy while minimizing unnecessary computational resource consumption between triggers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-service mechanisms where the time estimate automatically updates in response to user actions without requiring additional user input or system intervention. When a user completes a deduction or uploads a document, the system autonomously recalcuates the remaining time based on the updated state, reducing the need for manual refreshes or complex scheduling.
3Reliability
If the system considers multiple factors such as document availability and user pace, then the realism of the time estimate is improved, but the difficulty of implementation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes parameter changes by adjusting the time estimate based on varying inputs such as document availability (electronically available vs. physically available), user pace (determined from previous completions or self-assessment), and application complexity. These parameter changes allow the system to adapt to different scenarios while following a consistent calculation framework, reducing implementation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by using user pace information from previous tax return completions to refine future time estimates. This feedback loop allows the system to learn from actual user behavior and improve the realism of estimates over time without requiring complex reprogramming, as the feedback is integrated into the existing calculation parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
Media, method and system are described for creating and operating software capable of performing steps to provide a user with an estimated amount of time until a tax return application may be completed. Embodiments of the invention consider the availability of documents in physical or electronic form. Embodiments of the invention further display the time estimation to enable a user to reserve enough time for completion of the application.