Tax Data Collection System Using Segmented Queues
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic tax return preparation systems face inefficiencies in collecting tax data due to manual entry processes, which are time-consuming, prone to errors, and disrupt the preparation flow, especially when dealing with multiple data sources, and do not effectively account for the diversity of individual taxpayer needs.
Innovation Solution
A guided tax data collection system that uses a tax knowledge engine to identify needed data and efficiently target data collection from multiple sources by generating partitions and target queues based on user profiles, accuracy scores, and source metadata, reducing unnecessary data calls and improving resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual data entry processes are used for collecting tax data, then data can be obtained from multiple sources, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data collection process into distinct components: a tax logic agent that identifies missing data, a match system that maps data requirements to sources, a dispatch system that queues data collection tasks, and a data collector that executes queries. This segmentation automates what was previously manual entry, reducing time loss while maintaining the ability to collect from multiple sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary systems between the user and data sources: the tax logic agent acts as an intermediary to identify what data is needed, the match system intermediates between data requirements and available sources, and the dispatch system intermediates between data collection requests and execution. These intermediaries automate the process, eliminating manual entry time while preserving multi-source capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual data entry is used, then data can be collected from multiple sources, but the preparation flow is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The dispatch system acts as an intermediary that manages the flow of data collection automatically. It receives data collection requests from the tax logic agent, queues them appropriately, and coordinates with the data collector to retrieve information from multiple sources without disrupting the user's preparation flow. The system handles source verification and data integration in the background.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service data collection by automatically identifying missing data through the tax logic agent, matching it to appropriate sources, and executing collection through the data collector. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention to maintain preparation flow continuity while accessing multiple data sources.
3Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive data collection is performed for all users, then all taxpayer needs are met, but system resources are wasted on unnecessary data calls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring data collection to each user's specific needs rather than applying a uniform comprehensive collection approach. The tax logic agent analyzes individual user profiles to identify only the missing data required for that specific taxpayer, and the match system maps these specific requirements to appropriate sources, avoiding unnecessary data calls and optimizing resource utilization while meeting diverse needs.
4Loss of time
If automated data collection is implemented, then manual entry time is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces system complexity by segmenting the automated data collection into specialized, modular components: the tax logic agent for identifying missing data, the match system for mapping requirements to sources, the dispatch system for task management, and the data collector for execution. Each component has a specific function, making the overall complex system manageable through clear separation of concerns while eliminating manual entry time.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for collecting tax data for an electronic tax return preparation program includes a tax logic agent reading a user data profile indexed to a user ID for a user to identify an identifier of a missing datum. The method also includes a match system identifying a data source corresponding to the identifier of the missing datum. The method further includes the match system generating a partition for the user data profile. Moreover, the method includes a dispatch system generating a target queue for the data source using the partition. The target queue includes the identifier of the missing datum. In addition, the method includes a data collector querying the data source based on the target queue to collect data corresponding to the identifier of the missing datum. The method also includes an importer generating a modified user data profile using the collected data.