Efficient work flow system and method for preparing tax returns

A processor-based method for preparing a tax return comprising:

• providing an image file that includes a plurality of data values belonging to a plurality of field names;
• providing an input form having a plurality of fields corresponding to the plurality of field names;
• and
• associating the plurality of data values from the image file with the plurality of fields.

A machine-readable medium that provides instructions, which when read by a processor, cause the machine to perform operations comprising:

• receiving an electronic source document containing a tax document;
• receiving a form type corresponding to the tax document;
• extracting, based on the form type, a plurality of data values from the tax document;
• and
• populating a tax return with the plurality of data values.

A machine-readable medium that provides instructions, which when read by a processor, cause the machine to perform operations comprising:

• receiving a tax document having a plurality of data values;
• placing a reference adjacent to each of the plurality of data values;
• extracting the plurality of data values that are adjacent to the references;
• and
• creating a tax return using the plurality of data values.