TaxACT Press Release - October 4, 2001

Free TaxACT 2001 Preview Version Released

TaxACT 2001, the fourth edition of the popular FREE tax preparation software, is now available on the Internet.

Cedar Rapids Iowa -- 2nd Story Software, Inc., a computer software developer based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, announces the release of TaxACT 2001 Standard Preview Edition -- now available as a free download at http://www.taxact.com. TaxACT 2001 Standard Edition, for Windows 95/98/2000/Me/XP, is a full-featured software program designed specifically for consumers to prepare their own tax returns.

The Preview version is a no cost, risk-free way for users to personally experience the software and see how easy and fast it is to prepare their own tax return. Plus, it is a great way for users to begin preparing their 2001 returns and perform year-end tax planning.

Free TaxACT Standard contains the most up-to-date tax laws and calculations so users see exactly where they will stand on April 15th. It contains the most common forms and schedules and calculates returns as data is entered via interview-like questions. TaxACT Standard then audits the return for errors and tax-saving possibilities and prints IRS-approved forms and schedules.

Users can prepare their returns with the Standard Preview Edition now. When the Final version is released in January 2002, the data will transfer directly into TaxACT 2001 Standard Final Edition. The Final version is also free and allows users to prepare, print, and file paper returns. Electronic filing is available for a nominal fee of $7.95.

Consumers can visit the company’s web site, http://www.taxact.com, download TaxACT 2001 Standard Edition directly to their home computer, and get started on their 2001 tax return -- all at absolutely no charge.

"Response to the free TaxACT Standard has been outstanding since we introduced the product four years ago," says Lance Dunn, President of 2nd Story Software. "We continue to receive letters and email from customers who have discovered the convenience of preparing their own tax returns using their computer. The free Standard program combined with our economical electronic filing makes TaxACT Standard the fastest, easiest, and most affordable way for users to prepare and file their tax return and receive their refund."

The low $7.95 e-file charge puts TaxACT at the forefront for low-cost e-file options. The company’s focus on security and customer communication make it the best overall e-file value in the industry. Security is addressed through proprietary and SSL encryption to ensure data is passed and stored securely.

The committed customer relationship principles that drive the company make e-filing with TaxACT a positive experience for customers. Users are guided step-by-step through the e-file process and kept abreast of the status of their return through email and web updates. As soon as the return is submitted, an email is sent to the user. Each step of the e-file process is communicated to the user until the return is accepted.

TaxACT is also available in a Deluxe Preview Edition for those customers with more complicated tax situations. TaxACT Deluxe can be downloaded for only $9.95 and includes one free federal e-file. State Editions, only $12.95 each, will release beginning January 2002 for every state that assesses state income tax. For those users who wish to complete their return over the Internet, thus saving hard drive space and download time, TaxACT Online will be available early January 2002.

More information on 2nd Story Software, Inc. and TaxACT 2000 can be found on the company's web site, http://www.taxact.com.