TaxACT Press Release - October 2, 2003

2nd Story Software announces sneak preview of the J.K. Lasser™ help system incorporated in the new and improved TaxACT™ 2003 Deluxe Preview

Develop Your 2003 Tax Strategy for FREE - Using TaxACT 2003 Standard Preview

Cedar Rapids, IA - October 2, 2003 - For the sixth consecutive year, 2nd Story Software, Inc. revolutionizes tax preparation for consumers by releasing TaxACT™ 2003 Preview versions available for download at the company's web site www.taxact.com. TaxACT 2003 Standard Preview is the only independent tax preparation software available at no-cost, which provides the means for consumers to strategize and calculate an early estimate of their 2003 federal tax returns by combining the most commonly used forms and schedules with the most up-to-date laws and calculations.

New and Improved Help Featuring J.K. Lasser's™ Your Income Tax Guide
Provided in partnership with John Wiley & Sons, America's all-time best selling tax guide, J.K. Lasser's Your Income Tax Guide has been incorporated into TaxACT 2003 Deluxe Preview's help system. The Deluxe Preview version provides a sneak peak at the expansions and improvements made to TaxACT Deluxe's tax help system, which is scheduled for final release in early January 2004. The preview version enables users to review their tax situation and perform year-end tax planning, while demonstrating how TaxACT 2003 Deluxe includes easy-to-understand tips that provide insight to complex tax laws, tax strategies, planning opportunities, and potential pitfalls to avoid based on recent tax law changes and pending legislation before Congress. The latest tax tips, which are highlighted in TaxACT's 2003 Deluxe Preview version throughout the Q&A interview will demonstrate the ease and accessibility of expert help and advice with a simple click.

About TaxACT
The free product, TaxACT Standard, contains the most common forms and schedules and calculates users' tax returns as data is entered. All data entered into one of the TaxACT preview versions, automatically transfers into TaxACT 2003 Standard Final version or the TaxACT Deluxe Final version, which are scheduled for release in early January 2004. The Standard Final version will also be free and allows users to prepare, print and file a paper return. As an option, electronic filing is available for the nominal fee of $7.95.

For those taxpayers with more complex tax situations, TaxACT is available in a Deluxe Edition. The low price of $9.95 for Deluxe includes one free federal e-file, and includes J.K. Lasser's expert tax help, advanced tax calculators, and more. Also, TaxACT State Editions will release in January 2004 for every state that assesses state income tax for only $12.95 each. Visit www.taxact.com for more information and to download TaxACT.

About 2nd Story Software, Inc.
2nd Story Software, Inc., a privately held software development company, is the foremost leader in developing and marketing affordable tax preparation software and e-filing services direct to end consumers. Prior to founding 2nd Story, the company's four originators brought forth over 56 years of collective experience specializing in tax software development and, thus, formed 2nd Story Software with the goal of supplying fully functional tax software to end consumers at affordable prices via the Internet. Since 2nd Story Software started operations in February 1998, the suite of TaxACT products have enabled over eight (8) million returns to be filed and helped individual consumers to better manage their financial lives. More information regarding 2nd Story Software and TaxACT products and filing services may be found by visiting www.taxact.com

Cammie Greif
Vice President - Marketing
319-373-3600
Cammie@taxact.com