TaxACT(R) -- Your Year-End Tax Planning Guide

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA--(Marketwire - October 1, 2008) - 2nd Story Software, Inc., developers of TaxACT® software and pioneer of free federal tax preparation software and services for more than a decade, announces the immediate release of TaxACT® 2008 Preview products -- now available through December 31, 2008.

TaxACT.com is the only Web-based tax planning and preparation solution to offer taxpayers a year-round solution -- providing up-to-date insight to complex tax laws, planning opportunities, and potential pitfalls to avoid based on recent tax law changes and pending legislation before Congress. As part of a comprehensive tax planning strategy, taxpayers can use TaxACT Preview Editions (Standard or Deluxe) at no cost to forecast their federal and state income tax refund or liability amounts.

TaxACT Preview Editions outline tax-savings strategies tailored to your personal tax situation, which can be implemented prior to the end of the year -- helping you to save money on your taxes. Both Standard and Deluxe Editions include complex forms, such as forms for Business Income, Capital Gains, Rental Property, Itemized Deductions, Depreciation, and much more. Additionally, consumers can choose between two platforms: TaxACT Online (over-the-Web) or TaxACT software (a download file that installs to your hard drive).

Backed by a 100% Accuracy Guarantee, TaxACT Standard is completely free to taxpayers who want to prepare, print and e-file a personal 1040, 1040A and 1040EZ federal income tax return. Whether you claim the standard deduction or use the Deduction Examiner™ to ensure the biggest refund possible, TaxACT Standard's straightforward language, extensive reference tools, and auto-check for completion make preparing taxes online fast, easy and reliable.

The TaxACT Deluxe Online Edition, normally $9.95 when you choose to print or e-file a federal return, is packed with addition help and guidance -- now just $7.95 for those who register and take advantage of TaxACT's Early Bird Special.

Deluxe Preview is a powerful tax planning service that enables taxpayers the ability to easily perform end-of-year tax planning for both their federal and state taxes with the TaxACT State Planner feature. Other Deluxe-only features include access to: a College Student Financial Aid Worksheet, additional calculators and reports, as well as more in-depth help features and guidance systems including: Donation Assistant™, a non-cash donation calculator powered by "MONEY - For Your Used Clothing"™ and TaxTutor Guides powered by America's all-time best selling tax guide, J.K. Lasser's™ "Your Income Tax Guide" by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

About TaxACT

TaxACT is the pioneer of totally free federal tax preparation software and online services. Dedicated to providing taxpayers with a complete Web-based tax resource for more than a decade, TaxACTOnline.com is the 2nd most visited destination for tax preparation services.(1) Designed by CPAs, accountants, and seasoned software programmers, TaxACT makes preparing taxes electronically possible for everyone for little to no-cost -- no restrictions, no fine print.

About 2nd Story Software, Inc.

2nd Story Software, a privately held company founded in 1998, is critically acclaimed as being a leader in developing and marketing affordable tax preparation software and Web-based services directly to consumers. The comprehensive suite of TaxACT products continues to empower its users to devise well-informed tax strategies with ease, while looking out for the cost-conscious. More information regarding the TaxACT product line may be found by visiting www.TaxACT.com.

(1) According to month-by-month aggregate data contained in Hitwise® audience measurement week end-reports for the Business & Finance - Accountancy Category, which details the traffic share of the top tax software titles during the 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 primary tax seasons, TaxACT Online ranked second in the percent of traffic it received as compared to other Web-based tax preparation services monitored. More information regarding Hitwise may be viewed by visiting www.Hitwise.com.

2nd Story Software, Inc., company and product logos, TaxACT and TaxACT Online, among others are registered trademarks of 2nd Story Software. Other party trademarks are the property of their respective owners and should be treated as such. Prices are subject to change without any prior notice. As a practical note, taxpayers are encouraged to consult a legal or tax professional when in doubt. TaxACT provides general guidance and not legal or specific tax advice. Information in this release has been verified as of October 1, 2008. More information regarding TaxACT's 100% Accuracy Guarantee may be found at http://www.taxact.com/company/company_aguarantee.asp.

Contact Information: Contact Information Stephanie Behrends Public Relations Manager 2nd Story Software, Inc. Phone: (319) 373-3600 Email: