REDMOND, Wash., Jan. 15, 2004 — To help taxpayers click their way to an optimal return, CNBC on MSN®
Money delivers a one-stop resource through the MSN Tax Center that takes the legwork and guesswork out of the filing process. With tools for estimating refunds and finding deductions, expert commentary on the latest tax laws, and filing services from H & R Block, the MSN Tax Center http://money.msn.com/tax/home.asp offers consumers a comprehensive destination for tax time.
Millions of Americans are affected by the numerous tax law changes this year, including an increase in the child tax credit and a cut in the maximum tax rate for most capital gains taken after May. To gain further understanding of these laws and how they affect their returns, taxpayers can visit the Tax Corner message boards to connect with renowned tax attorney and best-selling author Jeff Schnepper for specific guidance.
“Recent tax law changes are further complicating the process for this year’s returns,” Schnepper said. “Since many folks don’t have a CPA or tax attorney to turn to, resources like MSN Money can provide much-needed information, step-by-step filing resources and peace of mind.”
In addition to highly regarded tax insight and commentary, the MSN Tax Center combines powerful tools and services with the expertise of online tax preparation and filing from H & R Block, the world’s leader in tax services. With specific tools and resources, consumers can accomplish the following:
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Prepare and file returns online. Consumers can quickly file state and federal tax returns online through H & R Block.
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Estimate and maximize tax refunds. The Tax Estimator gives consumers an early read on expected refunds or payments, and the Deduction Finder helps them identify ways to maximize refunds.
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Make smarter tax-time decisions. Useful tools, calculators and articles, such as “Make Tax Time Less Taxing” and “Tax Breaks for the Not-So-Rich,” in the Tax Decision Center walk consumers step by step through a particular activity.
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Get informed about the latest tax law changes. Consumers can make sense of this year’s tax law changes and gain expert insight about how the new laws affect individual situations.
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Work online with an H & R Block tax professional. For consumers who desire additional assistance, CNBC on MSN Money connects them with an H & R Block professional to offer guidance and assist with online preparation and filing.
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Tackle Schedule D and capital gains. With services from GainsKeeper, investors receive the easiest solution to the complicated Schedule D form. Investors also can optimize investment transactions and minimize tax implications by using GainsKeeper’s tax-efficiency tools throughout the year.
“With the arrival of tax season, people are seeking a quick and easy way to get a handle on their 1040,” said Chris Jolley, director of product management for the Financial Products Group at Microsoft. “With expert insight alongside useful preparation and filing tools, the MSN Tax Center is like having your very own tax preparer — you can find deductions, figure out refunds and file on time.”
For those who prefer to prepare their tax returns offline, Microsoft® Money 2004 integrates with TaxCut®
software from H & R Block and other tax software programs to conveniently import relevant financial data and make organizing, preparing and filing tax returns easier than ever. In addition, consumers who purchase TaxCut can receive a mail-in rebate for up to $29.95 to get a free copy of Microsoft Money 2004 Standard,* or they can receive a $40 rebate by mail* on Microsoft Money 2004 Deluxe, Premium or Small Business.
Jeff Schnepper, CNBC on MSN Money Tax Expert
Schnepper is the author of the best-selling “How to Pay Zero Taxes,” which is in its 21st edition. He has written several other books on finance and taxation, including “How Much Is It Worth? Asset and Business Valuation,” “The New Bankruptcy Law: A Professional Handbook” and “Inside the IRS, How It Works (You Over).” A former professor of taxation, accounting and finance, Schnepper has testified before the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance committees, was invited to the White House in 1986 to consult on that year’s Tax Reform Act, and has appeared on numerous national and local television programs. He is available for media interviews.
About CNBC on MSN Money
CNBC on MSN Money, located exclusively on MSN, combines the award-winning finance tools and content from Microsoft, the worldwide leader in software, with exclusive investment news and analysis from CNBC, the world’s most popular financial cable news network. CNBC on MSN Money empowers people at all levels of experience to easily complete a wide range of financial tasks, such as paying bills, viewing account balances, tracking investments, planning for retirement and staying informed with the latest financial news, in one convenient place online — any time, any place.
Leading industry publications, including Forbes, Money Magazine, PC Magazine and PC World Magazine, consistently applaud the personal finance tools and information from Microsoft. The service is available at http://www.cnbc.com/ or http://money.msn.com/ , or by visiting MSN at http://www.msn.com/ .
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies 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.
* See TaxCut package for free Money offer details; see Money 2004 package for $40 rebate offer details. Certain offer restrictions apply.
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