Computer-implemented methods systems and articles of manufacture for addressing optical character recognition triggered import errors during preparation of electronic tax return

Abstract

A tax return preparation application generates a first interview screen displayed to a subject taxpayer and requests first input of an image or entry of pre-determined data. Intermediate computer storing electronic tax data of multiple taxpayers determines whether electronic tax data provided or derived based on first input includes a first set for certain fields of an electronic tax form. If so, certain fields are automatically populated and a second, larger set of electronic data is identified and imported from data store to populate additional fields. If not, tax return preparation application generates a second interview screen requesting second input. Additional fields are not populated with data imported from data store when second input confirms that electronic tax data does not include the first set, but may import from data store when second input makes modifications or corrections such that electronic tax data includes the first set.