2nd Story Software Releases Latest Version of TaxACT(TM) -- Free Tax Software That Makes Tax Time Less Taxing

Market Wire

January 12, 2004

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA, Jan. 12, 2004 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- 2nd Story Software, Inc., developers of the only completely free tax preparation software program and online service, announces the release of TaxACT Standard, Deluxe and State Editions for the 2003 tax season.

TaxACT Deluxe Includes New and Improved Help Featuring J.K. Lasser's(TM) Your Income Tax Guide 2004

The latest release of TaxACT Deluxe includes a powerful new feature made possible by a publishing partnership with John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J.K. Lasser's Your Income Tax Guide 2004, America's all-time best selling tax guide, has been integrated into the TaxACT Deluxe help system. The improvements and expansions to the Deluxe help system simplifies complex tax laws, strategies, and planning opportunities, and tailors its advice based on an individual's unique tax situation. Users also receive alerts to potential pitfalls that correlate to relevant tax law changes and pending legislation before Congress. Now, in quick as a click, the TaxACT Deluxe Q&A interview system helps make tax time less taxing by combining the alerts system with a convenient and comprehensive expert help and advice structure.

"TaxACT's host of comprehensive explanations and interactive tools does more than engage users," says Lance Dunn, President of 2nd Story Software. "It makes financial planning actionable and increases the public's awareness that strategizing a tax plan and completing one's tax return can be done quickly, easily and at a fraction of the cost when compared to other tax preparation software packages and Web-based services."

"No one wants to risk a big software investment if they don't know what they will get in return," says Dunn. "Not surprisingly, however, consumers respond when quality products and top-notch services are offered at unbeatable prices. Our low prices may very well be the key factor in gaining TaxACT attention. Yet, it's the quality we build into the TaxACT product line that makes it possible for us to maintain and multiply our customers year-after-year -- they can expect more for less. That's the TaxACT advantage at work!"

TaxACT Software and Over-the Web Services

TaxACT is available in both software and Web-based versions and offers users two ways to enter data: the interview format that presents a series of interview-like questions, or the forms-based entry method. TaxACT also provides its users a highly reliable and robust alerts system to prevent costly mistakes generally caused by omissions or missed opportunities to maximize deductions. Regardless of the TaxACT version and / or platform, all forms are IRS and State approved.

TaxACT 2003 Online Standard and Standard software for Windows are free and contain the most common forms, schedules and worksheets enabling users to prepare and print a paper return. No gimmicks, no stipulations and no surprises. As an option, electronic filing may be added for just $7.95 per return. TaxACT is available in a Deluxe Edition for the do-it-yourself tax preparer who wants extra advice or has a more complicated tax situation, TaxACT is available in a Deluxe Edition. The street price for Deluxe is a nominal $9.95 and includes one (1) free federal e-file, a $7.95 value in itself. Plus, TaxACT 2003 State Editions are available for all income-taxing states.

About TaxACT

Now in its 6th tax season, TaxACT(TM) is America's #1 value-leader in tax preparation software and services. In February 2003, Nielsen/NetRatings reported over twenty-two (22) million Americans visited an online tax preparation site to download forms, gather information and prepare and file their taxes. Nielsen/NetRatings also revealed that, between the 2001 and 2002 tax seasons, TaxACT's Web-based tax service was distinguished as the fastest growing online tax service measured -- a growth of 75 percent over the previous year.

About 2nd Story Software, Inc.

2nd Story Software is a privately held company founded in 1998 and is the foremost leader in developing and marketing affordable tax preparation software and Web-based services direct to end consumers. Via the Web, TaxACT includes the flexibility of online tax preparation services as well as the availability of downloadable desktop software. To date, the comprehensive suite of TaxACT products have enabled over eight (8) million returns to be filed and continues to empower people to make well-informed financial decisions with ease, while looking out for the cost-conscious.

More information regarding 2nd Story Software and the TaxACT product and service line may be found by visiting www.taxact.com.

About John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Founded in 1807, Wiley provides must-have content and services to customers worldwide. Its core businesses include professional and consumer books and subscription services, scientific, technical and medical journals, encyclopedias, books and other online products and services, and education materials for undergraduate and graduate students and lifelong learners. Wiley has publishing, marketing and distribution centers in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia. The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols JWa and JWb. Wiley's Internet site can be accessed at http://www.wiley.com.

2nd Story Software, Inc., company and product logos, TaxACT(TM) and TaxACT Online, among others, Are trademarks of 2nd Story Software. Other party trademarks or service marks are the property of their respective owners and should be treated as such.

Contact: 2nd Story Software, Inc. Cammie Greif 319-373-3600 x. 1027 cammie@taxact.com

SOURCE: 2nd Story Software, Inc.

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