TaxACT Offers Free Solutions for Beating the Tax Deadline

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA--(Marketwired - Apr 2, 2013) - Last-minute tax filing doesn't have to be stressful or expensive. All taxpayers can prepare, print and e-file federal tax returns and extensions for free with TaxACT® Free Federal Edition. The makers of TaxACT, the critically acclaimed leader of affordable digital and download tax preparation solutions, offer totally free online and download filing solutions for computers and tablets.

"All the guidance, forms and tax help you need to file by the deadline is right at your fingertips," said TaxACT President JoAnn Kintzel. "TaxACT is here to help until the very last second of April 15. And if the need arises, we'll be here to help after you file."

Time-saving tools
TaxACT Free Federal Edition makes tax filing fast and easy:

• Prepare, print and e-file your taxes anytime, anywhere on your computer or tablet browser at www.taxact.com. Or download the free app for iPad and Android tablets.
• TaxACT offers the only free federal filing product with all e-fileable forms for complex taxes.
• As you answer simple questions, TaxACT navigates the complex tax laws for you.
• Import or transfer information from last year's return with Quick Convert.
• Quick Entry expedites entering this year's W-2, 1099 and 4562 data. Stock Assistant simplifies recording investment transactions.
• TaxACT reviews your return for errors and missed opportunities, and backs it with a 100% accuracy guarantee.
• After completing the federal interview, answer a few questions to e-file your state taxes online for $17.95. All part-year and non-resident forms are included.

TaxACT offers instant help 24/7 in the Answer Center and at www.taxact.com. Users can also email TaxPayer Support Specialists® for free. Free Federal Edition users can also get unlimited phone help for the 2012 tax season for a one-time fee of $7.95 (included with Deluxe).

Free federal and state extensions
Taxpayers who are waiting for forms or need more time to review their returns may need a six-month filing extension. With TaxACT, it's free to prepare, print and e-file IRS Form 4868 to automatically extend the filing deadline to October 15.

Users can estimate their taxes in TaxACT for free and pay through electronics funds withdrawal, credit card or EFTPS. Those who can't afford to pay their taxes by the deadline can request a monthly installment plan via IRS Form 9465.

Extension filers can use TaxACT Online and download software to file 2012 returns any time before the October 15^th extension filing deadline.

Mobile access to status of return, extension and IRS refund
TaxACT Free Federal Edition includes free e-file, allowing users to receive email and/or text notifications as soon as IRS returns and extensions are processed. TaxACT's free companion mobile app, TaxACT Central™, allows users to check the status of e-filed returns, extensions and IRS refund status on the go. Users can also monitor their status online at efstatus.taxact.com.

Free head start on next year's taxes
To help taxpayers prepare for next year, TaxACT can calculate 2013 estimated quarterly payments and prepare Form 1040-ES. The program can also help users review their withholding and prepare a new Form W-4 by answering simple questions.

TaxACT's free mobile apps also help taxpayers stay organized and informed throughout the year. TaxACT Central includes a tax calendar and Help Center. TaxACT DocVault™ makes secure organization and saving of tax documents any time of year easy. Take photos of tax forms, receipts, statements and charitable contributions. Then assign categories and tags, and upload to your secure DocVault web account at www.taxactdocvault.com. At tax time, import your images into TaxACT Deluxe to save with your return. Download TaxACT's free mobile apps at www.taxact.com/apps.

About TaxACT
TaxACT, made by 2nd Story Software, Inc., is the critically acclaimed leader of affordable digital and download tax preparation solutions for consumers, business owners and tax professionals. In the 2005 tax season, TaxACT became the first to offer free federal tax software and e-file to all U.S. taxpayers. TaxACT has been the second-most visited online tax preparation destination for the past seven consecutive years^*. Since 2000, TaxACT Online has assisted with more than 38 million e-filed federal returns. TaxACT is a business of Blucora, Inc. (NASDAQ: BCOR). Learn more about TaxACT at www.taxact.com and www.taxact.com/press.

^*According to collective week end reports for taxact.com and taxactonline.com released by Hitwise™ during the 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 tax seasons.