TaxAct Unveils Free Federal and State Tax Filing for Simple Returns

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA--(Marketwired - Jan 7, 2016) - TaxAct®, the leading provider of digital and download tax preparation solutions, today announced it will enable millions of Americans to file simple federal (1040 EZ/A) and state returns online for free. All TaxAct products, including TaxAct Online Free, are updated with final IRS forms and extender tax law changes. TaxAct is accepting e-filed returns now, helping filers get their maximum refunds fast.

"Since our founding, we've challenged the status quo to provide solutions that make digital do-it-yourself (DIY) tax filing as easy and affordable as we can," said JoAnn Kintzel, TaxAct president. "To kick off the tax season, we will continue that tradition by enabling customers to file their federal 1040A or 1040EZ and state returns fast, easy and free."

Easy, Fast and Affordable DIY Tax Solutions

Final versions of the company's new online and download products are available now and include TaxAct Free, Basic, Plus and Premium. TaxAct 2015 products are organized by features, forms and schedules and tailored to the unique tax situations of today's DIY filers. Priced affordably, TaxAct 2015 federal and state products are available at a fraction of the cost of other major providers' similar DIY online tax software, making it the best deal in tax. TaxAct Online includes:

• Free -- New for tax year 2015, TaxAct now gives simple return filers the ultimate deal: free federal, free state and free filing.
• Basic -- Customers using Basic can file a federal return for just $9.99*. The product includes time-saving import options to help 1040 EZ/A filers improve accuracy. Basic customers get the added bonus of phone support.
• Plus -- TaxAct Plus customers can maximize credits and deductions for only $14.99* and take advantage of the biggest tax breaks from their mortgage interest, investments and charitable donations. The product also includes online, email and phone support.
• Premium -- Filers using Premium can maximize their business deductions and depreciation for just $19.99*. In addition, customers can utilize step-by-step guidance to report business income (Schedules C and F) on their federally filed return. Comprehensive support gives Premium filers multiple ways to get help when they need it.

TaxAct also gives filers the option to use its affordable download versions, which now include five federal e-files at no additional cost, an added value for tax year 2015.

New Product Features Make DIY Filing Fast and Easy

TaxAct 2015 Editions include several new features to make filing even easier, such as:

• Mobile-responsive design -- TaxAct Online products are now mobile responsive, providing a seamless experience across devices such as smartphones, tablets and phablets, making anytime, anywhere filing even easier.
• Enhanced Account Management -- With a redesigned user interface and updated account management features, customers can manage all TaxAct products, current and prior year returns, and account and security preferences from one central location.
• Refund Snapshot -- Customers can now use Refund Snapshot to get a clear picture of how information entered into their return impacts the calculation of their refund or amount due.

Expanded Security and Identity Recovery Services

TaxAct's ongoing efforts to protect tax filer information continue with expanded security features in its 2015 suite of products. Enhancements include added protection from multi-factor authentication and out-of-band verification as well as more robust account change notifications, strengthened password requirements and updated security questions.

In keeping with its long-standing, customer-centric approach, TaxAct is including identity recovery services in its Basic, Plus and Premium products for no additional charge. If a tax filer discovers someone else has already filed a return using their information, TaxAct will assist them via Identity Recovery powered by InfoArmor, a service that will navigate the resolution process on the customer's behalf.

Price Lock Guarantee Promises Pricing Transparency

TaxAct is one of the only major online tax software providers to offer a Price Lock Guarantee. Customers using any of TaxAct's online products will pay the price listed for that product at the time they started their return, no matter when they file. Filers using online tax preparation products from other software providers may experience a price increase between the date of registration and the day they file, finding the price originally offered is no longer available. TaxAct eliminates that possibility by locking in the original price offered at registration for the entire season.

TaxAct also continues to provide its long-standing Maximum Refund Pledge as well as its Accuracy, Satisfaction and Money-Back Guarantees.

*All prices subject to change.

About TaxAct
TaxAct provides the best deal in tax so individuals, business owners and tax professionals can save money on tax preparation. A leading provider of affordable digital and download tax software, the company's mission is to empower people to navigate the complexities of tax and finance with ease and accuracy at a fair price. TaxAct has long-offered a Price Lock Guarantee on its products, ensuring its customers pay the price listed for their selected product at the time they started their return, no matter when they file. TaxAct was one of the top three visited online tax preparation destinations last tax season¹ and has assisted with approximately 60 million e-filed federal returns since 2000. To learn more about TaxAct, a business of Blucora, Inc. (NASDAQ: BCOR), visit taxact.com or connect with us on facebook.com/TaxAct, linkedin.com/company/taxact and twitter.com/taxact.

¹According to collective week end reports for taxact.com released by Compete Inc.