Year-End Planning Takes on New Importance for 2009 Returns

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA--(Marketwire - October 1, 2009) - 2nd Story Software®, Inc., the makers of TaxACT®, announces the release of TaxACT 2009 Free Federal Edition and Deluxe Preview Versions.

TaxACT is the only Web-based tax planning and preparation solution to offer a year-round solution, releasing Preview Versions of its federal software in October and Final Versions in January.

"With so many tax law changes in 2009 and the economy still rebounding, taxpayers need a reliable solution to assess their tax situation early, now more than ever. TaxACT provides that preview to help taxpayers understand how their year-end decisions can affect their 2009 return," says Lance Dunn, CPA and President of 2nd Story Software.

The Preview Versions of TaxACT include the latest tax law changes, including the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act credits and deductions, as well as new and enhanced features to help taxpayers get a head start on their 2009 federal returns.

"This year, we've given TaxACT users even more time-saving navigation, calculator and data entry tools," explains Dunn. "For example, people who used another software solution last year may be able to import basic information from a PDF copy of their 2008 return into TaxACT, eliminating data entry time and possible errors. We've also added an investment tool called Stock Assistant that allows for faster entry of 1099 data and provides a summary view of investment income.

"Finding information in the Help Center should be even easier this year," added Dunn. "In addition, TaxACT's worksheet that makes completing the FAFSA faster and easier available in TaxACT Deluxe in previous years is now available to Free Edition users, as well."

In addition to the Accuracy Guarantee, Maximum Refund Pledge and Satisfaction Guarantee, TaxACT is offering a new guarantee to its Online users -- the Price Lock Guarantee. "With the Price Lock Guarantee, TaxACT Online Deluxe, State and Ultimate Bundle users will never have to guess how much they're paying. They'll pay the price that was advertised in the offer they used to register -- regardless of when they print or e-file their return," Dunn says.

All taxpayers can use TaxACT Online now for a free forecast of their federal and state tax refund or liability amount. All information entered into the Preview Versions will transfer to the Final Versions when released in January. Users only need to complete an online registration form to access TaxACT Online Free Federal Edition or Deluxe.

TaxACT Products

TaxACT Free Federal Edition and Deluxe include all the forms most taxpayers need to prepare and file an individual 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ return. TaxACT also covers those with business income, capital gains, rental income, itemized deductions and depreciation.

In addition, users can choose between two platforms: TaxACT Online (over-the-Web) or TaxACT software (a download file). TaxACTOnline.com is the 2nd most visited online destination for tax preparation services.(i) TaxACT is designed to make preparing your taxes easy, fast and reliable with a focus on providing software to taxpayers at little or no cost.

TaxACT State editions, released in January, integrate completely with Free Edition or Deluxe to guarantee that the data from federal forms transfers smoothly to your state return, reducing time and room for error.

About 2nd Story Software, Inc.

2nd Story Software, a privately held company founded in 1998, is critically acclaimed as being a leader in developing affordable tax preparation software and Web-based services directly to consumers. TaxACT products continually provide their users with well-informed tax strategies in an easy-to-use format, while maintaining focus on providing the best value for customers. More information about TaxACT products may be found by visiting www.TaxACT.com.

2nd Story Software has earned the BizRate® Circle of Excellence for six consecutive years. The award recognizes the top performing online retailers that provided outstanding customer experiences throughout the year, as rated by their customers.

Find TaxACT on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/TaxACT and follow TaxACT on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/TaxACT.

(i) According to collective week end reports released by Hitwise™ during the 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 tax seasons.

Contact Information: Contact: Jessi Dolmage Public Relations Manager 319-373-3600