Electronic data processing system for preparation of electronically filed tax returns and authorization and payment of refunds based on the data supplied in those returns. Electronic data processing programs are provided for creating an electronic tax return that is filed with a tax collecting authority. At the same time as the electronic tax return is created, a loan application is processed to create an electronic deposit/loan account for the tax filer at an authorized credit institution. As early as the day after completion of the tax return and loan application, the tax filer receives initial refund payment from the loan account. The authorized credit institution electronically files the electronic tax return with the tax collecting authority which processes the return and transfers by electronic fund transfer the refund amount to the deposit/loan account at the authorized credit institution. Any refund in excess of the initial refund payment is then forwarded to the tax filer. Provision is also made for checking the credit worthiness of the tax filer.

The invention concerns using Automated Teller Machines as video conferencing stations. In a video conference, two parties can both see, and speak with, each other. The invention allows a user of an ATM to hold a video conference not only with the financial institution which operates the ATM, but with any other suitable facility, such as a personal computer, properly equipped.

Electronic data processing system for preparation of electronically filed tax returns and authorization and payments of refunds based on the data supplied in those returns. Electronic data processing programs are provided for creating an electronic tax return that is filed with a tax collecting authority. At the same time as the electronic tax return is created a loan application is processed to create an electronic deposit/loan account for the tax filer at an authorized credit institution. The tax filer can receive a loan or use the tax refund as collateral for a secured credit card. As early as the day after completion of the tax return and loan application, the tax filer receives initial refund payment from the loan account. The authorized credit institution electronically files the electronic tax return with the tax collecting authority which processes the return and transfers by electronic fund transfer the refund amount to the deposit/loan account at the authorized credit institution. Any refund in excess of the initial refund payment is then forwarded to the tax filer. Provision is also made for checking the credit worthiness of the tax filer.

A network transaction system applicable to cyberspace banking services using an open network, which allows customers to authenticate themselves through a simplified procedure. A customer's terminal station and a plurality of bank systems are interconnected via networks, and it is assumed that the customer wishes to newly open a bank account in a bank system among them, or a target bank system, and that the customer has an existing bank account in a different bank system, or an cooperative bank system. Using his/her terminal station, the customer applies for a new bank account by supplying the target bank system with a ciphertext message containing existing account information descriptive of the customer's bank account in the cooperative bank system. The target bank system requests the cooperative bank system to confirm the customer's existing bank account, while forwarding thereto a part of the ciphertext message containing the existing account information. The cooperative bank system decrypts the received message and confirms the validity of the account that the customer claims to own. It then returns a response message to the target bank system to report the result of the account confirmation. The target bank system decides whether to accept or to reject the application for a new account based on the response message from the cooperative bank system.

An electronic intermediary electronically connects with a tax data provider and collects electronically tax data from the tax data provider. The electronic intermediary processes the tax data collected electronically, and prepares an electronic tax return using the processed tax data. The electronic intermediary connects electronically with a taxing authority, files the electronic tax return with the taxing authority, and arranges electronically for the payment or receipt of any tax liability or refund, respectively.