TaxACT(R) Standard 2008 -- Taxes Done Right

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA--(Marketwire - January 8, 2009) - 2nd Story Software®, Inc., developers of TaxACT, announces the release of TaxACT Standard for the 2008 tax year. TaxACT pioneered free Federal tax preparation software to all taxpayers more than a decade ago and continues to be a value leader in tax preparation software. TaxACT allows users to prepare, print and e-file their Federal tax return for free starting today. If users opt for e-filing with direct deposit, they can have their return in as few as eight days(1).

"TaxACT was created around the belief that no one should have to pay to prepare their federal taxes, and that philosophy is what keeps TaxACT at the forefront of the tax preparation software industry. Our focus for this season was creating a better user experience for our customers. We've worked hard to simplify the program's interface and navigation. We've also added videos to the interview that will help users transition through the process," says Lance Dunn, CPA and President of 2nd Story Software, Inc.

"We also wanted to provide our Standard users with a clearer picture of the information they're providing to the IRS, so we added the Credit, Deduction and Income Examiner™ which provides a top-down overview of their information. Plus, with our new Maximum Refund Pledge, if you get a larger refund anywhere else, we'll give you $4.95, just for trying TaxACT."

TaxACT® Standard 2008

TaxACT Standard is a fully featured tax preparation product that provides support for 1040EZ, 1040A and long form 1040 returns and supports 70 tax forms and 16 schedules (including Schedule C for small business owners). TaxACT users have the added assurance that Taxpayer Support™ is available without limits on time or number of questions via email. No other leading tax software package provides unlimited tax help to its customer at no additional cost.

About TaxACT®

TaxACT has provided a complete Web-based tax resource for more than a decade. We focus on making tax preparation easy, fast and reliable, while providing software to taxpayers at little or no cost. TaxACT Standard was the first free federal electronic tax preparation program and the first to offer free printing and e-filing services to all American taxpayers. TaxACTOnline.com is the 2nd most visited online destination for tax preparation services(2).

About 2nd Story Software®, Inc.

2nd Story Software, Inc., a privately held company founded in 1998, is a leader in developing affordable tax preparation software and Web-based services directly to consumers. TaxACT products continually provide users with well-informed tax strategies in an easy-to-use format, while maintaining focus on providing the best value for our customers. For more information, visit www.TaxACT.com.

(1) In general, the IRS estimates that it will take 8-15 days for taxpayers who e-file their return and direct deposit to receive their federal tax refund from an accepted tax return. IRS processing delays may occur, delaying receipt of the taxpayers refund. The IRS begins accepting e-filed returns on Jan. 16th.

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

Contact Information: Contact: Leigh Aragon (319) 373-3600x 2184