TaxACT Press Release - October 25, 2000

TaxACT™ and CompuBank® Team to Offer Free Online Tax Preparation Services

Free tax preparation, free online banking

Marion, Iowa, October 25, 2000 -- 2nd Story Software, Inc., developer of TaxACT, personal tax preparation software and services, today announced a new marketing program with CompuBank, the #1 ranked bank online by SmartMoney Magazine. The new program allows individuals who open a new CompuBank account to complete their income taxes online for free using TaxACT Online, at www.taxactonline.com.

"We are pleased to team up with CompuBank to offer TaxACT customers the services of a recognized leader in Online Banking," says Lance Dunn, President of 2nd Story Software, Inc. "This outstanding combination will allow customers to experience the ease and convenience of both online tax return preparation and online banking."

CompuBank®, the FDIC insured online bank, allows TaxACT customers to establish basic checking, savings and money market accounts, write checks, and access funds through automated teller machines (ATMs). In addition, consumers can arrange direct- deposits and electronic fund transfers, re-order checks online, and take advantage of complementary benefits such as domestic wire service and bill paying features. CompuBank also offers Certificates of Deposit and Visa® check cards.

TaxACT Online, the latest addition to the TaxACT tax preparation product line, is a complete online tax preparation service, encompassing federal and state income tax preparation. Users are allowed to prepare and file their federal tax return for $7.95. State preparation is also available. Printing a paper return and electronic filing are the available filing methods. To qualify for free federal online tax filing, TaxACT customers may open a no-fee basic checking account with CompuBank®.

About CompuBank

FDIC insured, CompuBank is the #1 bank online according to Smart Money Magazine, earning top honors for Security, Account Information, Fees, and Extra Products and Services. Having customized and leveraged its technology, CompuBank has harnessed the power and speed of the Internet for the convenience and security of its customers.

CompuBank is using its technology, banking experience and strategic partnerships to give businesses and individuals the tools they need to control their money. With an experienced management team drawn from the leaders of the Finance and Internet industries, CompuBank has attracted blue chip investors and strategic partners - SOFTBANK Finance, GE Financial Assurance, The Goldman Sachs Group and Marsh & McLennan Capital. For more information, please call (713) 479-1074, email:jlack@compubank.com or visit: www.compubank.com.

About 2nd Story Software

2nd Story Software develops TaxACT personal tax preparation software and online services. TaxACT is available in five versions: TaxACT Standard -- the only free tax software program, TaxACT Deluxe, TaxACT Online, TaxACT States and TaxACT Preparer's Edition. 2nd Story Software's commitment to financial software and services has been recognized by Financenter.com who named TaxACT "Top 5 Best of the Web". Financenter.com, an online content provider of personal finance and research, is committed to consumer advocacy.

Recently announced, TaxACT Online is the newest addition to the TaxACT line of tax products. TaxACT Online takes advantage of the simplicity and ease-of-use enjoyed by the desktop users of TaxACT and combines it with state-of-the-art web and security technology.