Tax Preparation Game: Accounting Startup Gamifies Taxes

Open Ledger Launches PokéTax: A Gamified Approach to Tax Filing

Open Ledger, an accounting software firm, has recently introduced a novel product coinciding with the tax season.

Introducing PokéTax, a game designed to transform the often-dreaded task of tax filing into an enjoyable experience. Rather than confronting traditional tax forms, users engage with "Tax Trainers"— analogous to gym leaders—who represent distinct sections of a tax return, including income, deductions, and tax credits.

How PokéTax Works

These leaders pose questions that guide players through the completion of their tax forms. The game aims to simplify a complex process through interactive gameplay.

According to Pryce Adade-Yebesi, co-founder of Open Ledger, once a player completes their PokéTax journey, they are directed to the IRS Direct File site for official submission. He shared this information with TechCrunch.

PokéTax is built upon the open-source Pokémon game, Pokémon Showdown, and Adade-Yebesi confirmed that this launch is not a prank.

He emphasized the seriousness of tax compliance, stating, “Tax fraud isn’t funny — and neither is the IRS.”

Company Background and Development

Open Ledger was founded earlier this year by Adade-Yebesi and Ashtyn Bell, and has secured $3 million in funding led by Kindred Ventures and Blank Ventures.

Initially, the team developed this open-source product as a thought experiment. They questioned whether such a concept was feasible, and the result proved affirmative.

The game incorporates an AI assistant to help users organize their responses. Players can also earn badges—representing the discovery of new deductions—as they progress through challenges presented by the Tax Trainers.

A Unique Approach to Tax Preparation

Few entrepreneurs consider gamifying the often-unpleasant duty of tax preparation. However, in 2023, Tax Heaven 3000, a dating-style game, emerged, where users interacted with an avatar named Iris to answer questions for their 2022 tax returns.

Adade-Yebesi expresses hope that injecting fun into financial processes will make them “more engaging and way less soul-sucking.”

The tax filing deadline is April 15.

Note: This article has been updated to correct the spelling of Blank Ventures.