Microsoft Provides Two Comprehensive Tax Resources To Ease the Pain of Tax Season

REDMOND, Wash., Jan. 19, 2000 — Just in time for Americans to open the W-2 forms that are landing in their mailboxes, Microsoft Corp. today announced that its comprehensive tax resources are now available to help consumers reduce the hassle, pain and anxiety associated with preparing and filing their taxes this season. Consumers who prefer a CD-based product can choose the new Microsoft® TaxSaver TM tax preparation software that arrived on store shelves last month. TaxSaver offers an easy, step-by-step method for preparing and filing accurate returns. For consumers interested in an online solution, the MSN TM MoneyCentral TM online personal finance service offers a wide range of tax resources on the Internet, including free online filing for 1040EZ tax forms. Consumers can take advantage of the award-winning online personal finance resource to easily research, prepare and file their taxes from beginning to end, or as an online companion to TaxSaver.

MoneyCentral is a complete online tax resource for consumers. The tax section on MoneyCentral, located at http://moneycentral.MSN.com/ , offers a free online solution, powered by H & R Block* functionality, for tax preparation and filing Federal 1040EZ forms. For the online preparation and filing of federal 1040 forms, regardless of their level of complexity, there is a nominal charge of $9.95; the charge is $4.95 for state returns, for states requiring an income tax.

Consumers can utilize tax tools, such as the deduction finder and tax estimator, and other resources within MoneyCentral or Microsoft TaxSaver to better plan for filing, avoid common mistakes and maximize resources. In addition, consumers visiting MoneyCentral can ask personal tax questions to qualified experts, including Jeff Schnepper, tax attorney and author of the best-selling book
“How to Pay Zero Taxes, 2000,”
and access step-by-step guides on how to reduce, estimate, prepare and file their taxes.

Microsoft TaxSaver is designed to provide the more than 2 million new tax software users this season, as well as loyal users of the company’s Money personal finance solution, with superior tax tools to help them file an accurate return and save money on their taxes. TaxSaver walks consumers through each step of the tax preparation process to download the latest IRS tax law changes, import data from Money or other personal finance management products**, and complete an accurate return. To help consumers prepare their state tax returns, TaxSaver provides links to the tax center on MoneyCentral. Consumers can easily download and print the state forms they need and, in most cases, use the results from TaxSaver Federal to fill them out by hand.

The comprehensive Help system in TaxSaver includes hundreds of tax-related articles written by Microsoft’s team of CPAs and tax experts, more than 40 expert-led tax-related videos, and complete on-screen versions of J.K. Lasser’s
“Your Income Tax 2000”
and Jeff Schnepper’s
“How to Pay Zero Taxes, 2000.”
All versions of TaxSaver allow consumers to perform a final review of their returns and then file either electronically or by postal mail.

“Taxes have never been easier to prepare and file. We recognize how intimidating and cumbersome the tax process can be,”
said Richard Bray, general manager of Microsoft’s Financial Products Group.
“The extensive tax information and online filing in MoneyCentral, combined with the in-depth tools and step-by-step procedures of TaxSaver, will help consumers feel more comfortable with the tax preparation process.”

About MSN MoneyCentral

MSN MoneyCentral, located at http://moneycentral.MSN.com/ , is a complete online personal finance resource delivering leading financial tools and information in nine key areas: Investor, News Desk, Saving & Spending, Banking & Bills, Family & College, Retirement & Wills, Taxes, Insurance and Real Estate. The award-winning site offers consumers the ability to complete a wide range of everyday financial tasks, such as paying bills, tracking investments and staying informed on the latest financial news, in one convenient place online – any time, anywhere. MSN MoneyCentral helps enable people at all levels of experience to take control of and feel comfortable with their finances, helping them make smart financial decisions.

About Microsoft TaxSaver

The Microsoft TaxSaver tax preparation software products were designed with Arthur Andersen, the No.1 tax expert in the nation. Built on the proven technique that professional tax experts have used to prepare more than 10 million returns, TaxSaver provides consumers with easy-to-use, professional-quality tax guidance and preparation. TaxSaver can be found at many participating retailers, including CompUSA Inc., Best Buy Company Inc., Staples Inc., Office Depot Inc., OfficeMax Inc. and Wal-Mart Stores Inc. The estimated retail price for TaxSaver Federal Deluxe is $44.95 with a $20 rebate (includes one free e-filing). TaxSaver Federal retails for $19.95 with a $5 rebate. TaxSaver is also available for free to consumers who acquire Money 2000. TaxSaver Federal is also available for free download at http://taxsaver.MSN.com/ or via MoneyCentral (connect-time charges may apply). This online version allows consumers to prepare their taxes and pay only when they’re ready to print or electronically file their return online. Then customers may e-file their return for a $19.95 fee.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software – any time, any place and on any device.

*Preparation and filing offers expire Oct. 15, 2000. See http://moneycentral.com/tax/home.asp for complete offer details.

**TaxSaver will import TXF files from Money 2000, 99 and 98 versions, and Quicken 2000, 99 and 98 versions.

$20 and $5 rebate offers valid with qualifying proofs of purchase in the 50 United States and the District of Columbia only. Expires May 17, 2000. Limit one rebate per household. Not to be combined with other Microsoft offers, including free TaxSaver offer.

Microsoft TaxSaver Federal is free (up to $24.95 value) after mail-in rebate when any version of Microsoft Money 2000 is acquired. Or, Microsoft TaxSaver Federal Deluxe is free (up to $44.95 value) after mail-in rebate when either Microsoft Money 2000 Deluxe or Microsoft Money 2000 Personal & Business is acquired. Offers valid from Aug. 15, 1999, through May 17, 2000, with qualifying proofs of purchase. Limit one per household. Offers valid in the 50 United States and the District of Columbia only. Not to be combined with other Microsoft offers, including Microsoft TaxSaver rebate offers.

Microsoft, Microsoft TaxSaver, MSN, and MoneyCentral are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries/regions.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft’s corporate information pages.

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