Comprehensive TaxACT Software Helps Professional Tax Preparers Boost Productivity and Offer Enhanced Client Services

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA--(Marketwired - Oct 7, 2013) - TaxACT®, the value leader in tax preparation and filing solutions, has released its 2013 federal software for professional tax return preparers. TaxACT Preparer's Federal 1040, 1065, 1120 and 1120S Editions are available now, and State Editions will be released in early January.

TaxACT has offered software for professional tax preparers since the 2000 tax year and is often recognized for ease of use and price in industry magazine software user surveys.

"Professional tax return preparers need smart, efficient software, especially given their short but intense business season," says TaxACT President JoAnn Kintzel. "TaxACT provides high quality yet affordable tools to help them do more in less time and increase their bottom line."

Returns prepared easily, efficiently and accurately
TaxACT's Client Manager gives preparers a convenient way to organize client data and navigate returns. The tool also provides a quick snapshot of key information for each client, including the status of returns and payments.

After creating a client return, previous year return and investment data can be imported. Quick entry tools for forms including W-2, 1099 and 4562 make 1040 preparation faster.

TaxACT 1065, 1120 and 1120S software makes it easy to report business income, deductions and losses. Schedule K-1 data is automatically allocated as it's entered, with partnership and S-corporation K-1 information able to be quickly imported into the client's 1040 return. A new accounting records import will be added to small business editions in January, giving preparers the ability to import trial balance reports and have the data automatically transferred to the appropriate lines of client forms.

As preparers complete returns, they can alternate between direct entry into forms and the Q&A interview method with a single mouse click. Data is saved as it's entered so users can start and stop any time. If needed, preparers can email their tax and technical questions to TaxACT for free answers and 1040 users have an additional resource -- TaxTutor Guidance packed with expert explanations, tips and strategies. 

After entering client data, preparers can run TaxACT Alerts to check for accuracy, missing information and potential tax-saving opportunities.

Federal Enterprise Editions include extra timesaving and multi-user features, including:

• Network sharing for multiple users in one office
• Backup of client data on TaxACT's secure servers
• Document Manager saves digital copies of tax documents with client returns
• Appointment Manager for tracking client meetings and important dates
• Unlimited phone support

Information and tools for enhanced client services
TaxACT has been updated with the latest tax law changes, including Affordable Care Act provisions, allowing preparers to calculate clients' federal and state 2013 taxes. After importing last year's returns and entering 2013 data, users can generate reports to offer clients additional information and services.

Reports include prior year comparisons, depreciation, capital gains, 1040 joint vs. separate filing, 1040 carryover, 1065 partner distributive share and 1120S shareholder distributive share. A new 1040 report helps preparers and clients navigate the Affordable Care Act as it relates to taxes. HealthWatch provides personalized calculations and guidance to help clients make better informed health insurance decisions for 2014, particularly those applying for coverage in a health insurance marketplace.

Customized client data organizers, instruction letters and invoices can also be created in seconds, making day-to-day office management simpler.

Value leader in professional software and e-filing  
TaxACT 2013 Preparer's Federal Editions and Preparer's Federal Enterprise Editions are $119.99* and $199.99 each. State Editions are $24.99 per edition and $99.99 for each All-States Edition.

TaxACT also offers low-cost e-filing for all federal returns, all 1040 state returns, and many partnership and corporation state returns. Preparers can purchase a TaxACT Bundle with federal and state software plus unlimited e-filing, or pay $9.99 per SSN/EIN by return type (1040, 1065, 1120 or 1120S). Per-return e-filing price covers both federal and state(s) returns per SSN or EIN.

Preparers can elect to receive email and text notifications from TaxACT when clients' e-filed returns are processed by the IRS and states.

*Prices subject to change.

About TaxACT  
TaxACT is the critically acclaimed leader of affordable digital and download tax preparation solutions for consumers, business owners and tax professionals. In the 2005 tax season, TaxACT became the first to offer free federal tax software and e-file to all U.S. taxpayers. Since 2000, TaxACT Online has assisted with more than 38 million e-filed federal returns. TaxACT is a business of Blucora, Inc. (NASDAQ: BCOR). Learn more about TaxACT at www.taxact.com and www.taxact.com/press.