Jump-Start Your Tax-Saving Strategy - It's Never Too Soon

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- October 19, 2006 -- 2nd Story Software®, Inc., developers of America's most trusted, value-priced tax preparation software, announces the release and immediate availability of TaxACT® 2006 Preview and, for the third year, TaxACT Online Preview. TaxACT's Preview version helps taxpayers simplify the complexities of devising an effective tax-savings strategy.

TaxACT.com, the only Web-based tax planning and preparation solution to offer taxpayers a year-round solution, provides consumers the choice between two platforms: TaxACT Online (over-the-Web) or TaxACT software (a download file that installs to their hard drive). Both platforms enable users to perform a FREE, end-of-the-year check-up -- helping to minimize their tax bill and maximize personal savings.

This innovative and powerful tax planning service provides an easy-to-use interview format that helps taxpayers conduct careful analysis of their tax situation. For the first time ever, consumers can perform tax planning for both their federal and state taxes with the new TaxACT State Planner. Visitors need only complete the site's free online registration to gain full access to TaxACT's Online Deluxe Preview Version to generate a forecasted federal and state income tax refund or liability amount -- providing users with valuable insight into their tax situation.

"Most taxpayers assume there is no need to perform an early analysis to forecast their tax situation if their tax withholding and liabilities will closely match those of the prior tax year. However, even the smallest change to your personal circumstances can have a tremendous impact on your tax liability, such as changes to: wage earnings and withholding status, as well as life style," says Lance Dunn, President of 2nd Story Software.

"TaxACT Preview enables American taxpayers the ability to take a fresh look at their withholding rate, without having to invest a great deal of time or money. Now, with the addition of our new State Tax Planner to TaxACT Deluxe Preview Editions, consumers can better strategize a plan which alerts them to significant tax-saving opportunities for both their federal and state taxes. For instance, TaxACT Deluxe Preview's State Planner will point out to consumers who itemize and owe state taxes that they can choose to pay their state tax liability before December 31st and receive a deduction on their federal taxes which can equate to a 20-35% return on investment."

Choosing the right TaxACT Preview product for the taxpayer is contingent upon the taxpayer's situation and the amount of assistance that s/he may need to recognize and take full advantage of the various deductions and credits that one is entitled to claim. TaxACT Standard is a popular choice among those who traditionally file a straightforward return (non-itemized), as well as those that are financially savvy and require little handholding. Yet, all taxpayers are encouraged to put TaxACT's free Deluxe Preview Edition to the task of calculating their 2006 tax liability.

TaxACT Deluxe's Tax Watch outlines tax-savings strategies tailored to each user's unique tax situation, which can be implemented prior to the end of the year to save money on their taxes. Additionally, Deluxe Preview includes access to features such as: additional forms, calculators, and reports. Plus, Deluxe integrates America's all-time best selling tax guide, J.K. Lasser's™ Your Income Tax Guide by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.; with context-sensitive, line-by-line tips which provide insight to complex tax laws, planning opportunities, and potential pitfalls to avoid based on recent tax law changes and pending legislation before congress. Better still, Deluxe's all-new State Planner (a feature exclusive to the Deluxe Edition), forecasts state taxes.

About TaxACT

After nearly a decade, TaxACTOnline.com has emerged as the 2nd highest trafficked online destination for tax preparation services.* As America's No. 1 value-leader in tax-preparation software and consumer services, TaxACT is the nation's pioneer and most trusted leader of free tax-preparation software and online services. Designed to make preparing taxes electronically possible for everyone for little to no-cost; TaxACT is the only product to offer free e-filing services directly to all taxpayers.

About 2nd Story Software, Inc.

2nd Story Software, a privately-held company founded in 1998, is the foremost leader in developing and marketing affordable tax-preparation software and Web-based services directly to consumers. To date, the comprehensive suite of TaxACT products have enabled more than 23 million consumer returns to be filed; and, continues to empower its users to devise well-informed tax strategies with ease, while looking out for the cost-conscious. More information regarding 2nd Story and the TaxACT product line may be found by visiting www.TaxACT.com.

*According to collective week end-reports released by Hitwise™ during the 2004 and 2005 tax seasons, TaxACT Online ranked second in the number of hits it achieved as compared to other monitored Web-based tax-preparation services. More information regarding Hitwise may be viewed by visiting www.hitwise.com.

2nd Story Software, Inc., company and product logos, TaxACT and TaxACT Online, among others, are registered trademarks of 2nd Story Software. Other party trademarks or service marks are the property of their respective owners and should be treated as such.

Contact Information: For More Information Contact: Stephanie Behrends 2nd Story Software, Inc. - Makers of TaxACT 319.373.3600 Email Contact