TaxACT: Straightforward Pricing Leads to Best Overall Value

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA--(Marketwire - December 11, 2008) - There has been a lot of discussion over the last few days about the increasing costs consumers may see when preparing their taxes next year. Rising software costs, new fees, charges for e-filing, these are all important factors to consider when choosing tax preparation software. However, there is one thing that is not being talked about, the cost to file a State return.

"Most people have to file both Federal & State taxes, and State tax preparation is where the cost really lies for many taxpayers. With TaxACT, users will never pay more than $13.95 to prepare, print or e-file a State return. In some cases our competitors charge as much as $50 to prepare and file one State return," said Lance Dunn, CPA and President of 2nd Story Software, Inc, the makers of TaxACT.

"TaxACT has spent more than a decade producing a high-quality, low-cost tax preparation solution for American taxpayers. While our competitors have historically raised their prices and fees, TaxACT has made a commitment to being a value leader in the industry."

TaxACT Standard is free for all taxpayers, regardless of income or age and can handle 1040, 1040A and 1040EZ federal returns. It also supports more than 150 forms, schedules and worksheets. TaxACT Standard users can add a State return for only $13.95.

TaxACT Deluxe, which includes additional features such as Donation Assistant and the FAFSA Worksheet, is $9.95. Deluxe users can add a State return for only $7.00. Additionally, the desktop version (which sells for $12.95) allows users to prepare and print an unlimited number of federal returns, with one free e-file and up to 5 total e-filed returns for $7.95 each.

About TaxACT

TaxACT is the pioneer of free Federal tax preparation and TaxACTOnline.com is the #2 destination for online tax preparation(1). TaxACT is designed to make preparing your taxes easy, fast and reliable while maintaining a focus on providing the software to taxpayers at the best value possible.

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 their customers. More information regarding the TaxACT product line may be found by visiting www.TaxACT.com.

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

Contact Information: Contact: Leigh Aragon (319) 373-3600