Automated data collection for tax returns

Purpose

 1.1. Automate end-to-end data gathering for client tax returns by integrating document intake, aggregation, normalization, and enrichment from multiple sources.
 1.2. Reduce manual entry by collecting W-2s/1099s, invoices, bank statements, and prior-year tax data via secure digital platforms.
 1.3. Pre-populate tax forms, flag missing/erroneous items, and route compiled data into accounting platforms, improving compliance and accuracy.
 1.4. Elevate client experience with status notifications, secure upload links, and interactive checklists throughout the preparatory phase.

Trigger Conditions

 2.1. Receipt of new client engagement or digital tax worksheet initiation.
 2.2. Scheduled intervals for annual or quarterly tax prep cycles.
 2.3. Detection of inbound emails or file uploads with tax-related keywords or attachments.
 2.4. API call or webhook from client portal signaling readiness for data intake.

Platform Variants

 3.1. Google Workspace (Gmail/Drive/Sheets)
 • Feature/Setting: Gmail API/Drive API event watch, trigger on label "Tax Docs", auto-save and log to Sheets.
 • Sample: Configure Gmail API to listen for emails labeled "Tax Docs," auto-save attachments to a client folder on Drive.

 3.2. Microsoft 365 (Outlook/OneDrive/Excel)
 • Feature/Setting: Outlook Graph API rules, OneDrive file event hooks.
 • Sample: Use Outlook Graph API to filter incoming tax forms, auto-upload to structured OneDrive directories.

 3.3. Dropbox
 • Feature/Setting: File upload webhooks, shared request folders.
 • Sample: Enable folder-request link for clients, webhook triggers data processing flow.

 3.4. DocuSign
 • Feature/Setting: Envelopes: List/Receive, download signed forms.
 • Sample: Retrieve signed engagement letters using DocuSign API envelope status = "Completed".

 3.5. Xero
 • Feature/Setting: Accounting API Contacts, Invoices, Attachments endpoints.
 • Sample: Pull client invoices via Xero API, extract values, and parse for tax categorization.

 3.6. QuickBooks Online
 • Feature/Setting: Reports API, Attachments, Transactions endpoints.
 • Sample: Connect QBO Reports API to pull categorized expense and income reports.

 3.7. Intuit ProConnect
 • Feature/Setting: Retrieve client data and pre-fill forms using API.
 • Sample: Sync client list and return data, auto-import available documents.

 3.8. TaxDome
 • Feature/Setting: API access for document collection and client task reminders.
 • Sample: Use API to request missing files, monitor upload completion status.

 3.9. SAP Concur
 • Feature/Setting: Expense API, Attachments endpoint.
 • Sample: Extract travel and expense documentation for tax deduction evaluation.

 3.10. HubSpot CRM
 • Feature/Setting: Contacts API, Timeline events, File Manager.
 • Sample: Pull latest client communication and uploaded forms.

 3.11. Salesforce
 • Feature/Setting: REST API, Files endpoint, Custom Objects for tax data.
 • Sample: Sync contact records, retrieve attached W-2s and other key docs.

 3.12. Zoho Books
 • Feature/Setting: API for client data, transactions, document retrieval.
 • Sample: Collect categorized expense detail and attach supporting files.

 3.13. Box
 • Feature/Setting: Upload event webhooks, Box Skills for file type detection.
 • Sample: Detect new uploads labeled “Tax,” auto-tag and distribute.

 3.14. SFTP/FTPS Servers
 • Feature/Setting: Scheduled polling, file download via secure protocol.
 • Sample: Scan specified SFTP folders for new bank statements nightly.

 3.15. Smartsheet
 • Feature/Setting: Row webhook, attachments API.
 • Sample: Notify when clients upload missing documentation and auto-log status.

 3.16. Slack
 • Feature/Setting: File shared event, channel notification.
 • Sample: Watch #tax-uploads channel for new files, trigger file processing.

 3.17. Mailparser
 • Feature/Setting: Email extraction rules, HTTP webhook.
 • Sample: Parse emailed tax forms, auto-post extracted data for processing.

 3.18. Microsoft Power Automate
 • Feature/Setting: Scheduled flows, condition-based triggers on inbound email/form data.
 • Sample: When an email with tax documents arrives, scan attachments and notify accountant.

 3.19. OneSpan Sign
 • Feature/Setting: Transaction completed webhook, extract final signed files.
 • Sample: Capture executed tax engagement agreements.

 3.20. Plaid
 • Feature/Setting: Transactions, Auth, Identity endpoints.
 • Sample: Securely pull client bank transactions, parse for deductible items.

Benefits

 4.1. Accelerate tax return processing by 50–80% via minimal manual work.
 4.2. Lower error rates and ensure compliance by normalization and validation across sources.
 4.3. Enhance security—no more client data in unsecured email threads.
 4.4. Boost client satisfaction with real-time updates, reminders, and easy digital uploads.
 4.5. Achieve scalable operations—easily handle increased client volume without staffing peaks.