Chart

Chart is a developer-centric API purpose-built for fintechs and financial institutions that need to automate income verification and client onboarding with verified tax data. Unlike generic document processing tools that rely on uploaded PDFs or manual data entry, Chart connects directly to the IRS and leading tax software to retrieve official tax transcripts in real time. The core value proposition is clear: replace slow, error-prone manual verification with a structured, machine-readable JSON feed that can be integrated into lending workflows, account opening flows, or compliance checks within days rather than weeks.

Where Chart stands out is in its combination of data provenance and developer experience. Because it sources documents directly from government and tax preparation systems, the output carries a level of trust that OCR of a scanned W-2 cannot match. The automatic parsing into well-formed JSON eliminates the need for teams to build and maintain their own extraction logic, which is a significant time sink for most fintech engineering groups. The REST API is accompanied by SDKs, sandbox environments, and documentation that feels designed for a developer evaluating integration over a long weekend. This makes Chart particularly attractive for growth-stage fintechs that need to move fast without sacrificing compliance.

The workflow fit is most natural in lending and onboarding contexts. A lender can embed Chart’s submission flow into a credit application, allowing the applicant to connect their IRS account or tax software. Within seconds, the lender receives structured income data that can be fed directly into underwriting models. For wealth managers, the same mechanism accelerates client onboarding: instead of chasing down tax returns, advisors can offer a self-service option that pulls the required records instantly. The multiple submission methods — IRS Online Account, tax software link, or manual form — reduce friction for clients who may not have digital tax records handy.

However, Chart is not a general-purpose OCR tool, and its scope is deliberately narrow. The dependency on IRS and third-party tax software availability means that any outage or slowdown in those systems directly impacts Chart’s response times. For use cases that require income data outside of tax transcripts — such as payroll data or bank statements — Chart is not the right fit. Additionally, pricing is opaque; the company does not publish rates, and teams must contact sales to get a quote. This lack of transparency can be a barrier for smaller fintechs or early-stage startups that need predictable costs before committing to an integration.

From a security standpoint, Chart handles sensitive tax data with care. It never persists user credentials — each session requires re-authentication — and it holds SOC 2 Type II compliance. Granular access controls and optional PII reduction features give organizations control over who sees what, which is critical when dealing with personally identifiable information. These measures align with the expectations of regulated financial institutions, but teams should still conduct their own due diligence, especially if they operate under additional frameworks like HIPAA or GDPR.

For a practical buyer, the decision to use Chart hinges on whether the primary verification need is tax-based income data. If the answer is yes, Chart offers a turnkey solution that reduces engineering overhead and improves data reliability compared to manual or semi-automated alternatives. If the need extends to other income sources or requires a broader document processing pipeline, Chart should be viewed as a specialized component rather than a complete solution. Teams should also budget time for the sales engagement and consider how Chart’s uptime SLAs and support responsiveness align with their own service-level requirements. When it fits, Chart delivers a rare combination of speed, accuracy, and compliance that is hard to replicate in-house.