A new and enhanced version of Kiplinger TaxCut Deluxe for the Macintosh was released this week by H&R Block. The market-leader in value and functionality, TaxCut is now offered for a rebate-free price of $19.95. TaxCut's many new features and enhanced functionality combined with every day value pricing solidifies TaxCut as the best choice in tax software for Macintosh users.

Named the top tax software last year by Macworld, TaxCut Macintosh Deluxe for 2000 is full of improvements that simplify tax preparation. A new "My Taxes" pre-interview feature will further streamline the preparation process, which already takes less than two hours for 60 percent of TaxCut users. An enhanced planning feature and resource library for both taxes and finances extends TaxCut's value throughout the year. TaxCut's new "Where Am I?" Window is a navigation tool that allows users to easily see where they are in the tax preparation process, along with where they're going and where they've been. The program also features a link that gives users access to live tax advice from professional tax advisors at H&R Block. Finally, a revised Macintosh user interface makes the product more appealing than ever.

Included in the $19.95 price of TaxCut is one free electronic filing of a federal return (a $12.95 value) and a free state software download (a $19.95 value) -- each after a mail-in rebate.

"In further improving an award-winning product and giving users access to the vast network of H&R Block tax professionals through our new Ask a Tax Advisor live service, we have a created a very powerful tool for taxpayers," said Gene Goldenberg, senior vice president of e-solutions at H&R Block. "Mac users will be hard-pressed to find a better combination of value and performance than TaxCut."

TaxCut puts users in charge, letting them decide how and when to file their returns. In addition to electronic filing, all TaxCut forms can be printed and mailed to the IRS or state revenue departments. Electronic filing of the first federal return is free for Macintosh-version users after a mail-in rebate, and state electronic filing is only $2.00 if done concurrently with federal filing ($6.95 if separate). TaxCut Deluxe for the Macintosh features software for 26 states, up from 15 last tax season.

As for refunds, users can choose to receive their money by direct deposit to their banks or via check through the mail. And if users want their refund in 48 hours, they can take advantage of TaxCut's Electronic Refund Advance (ERA) program. ERA allows users to receive a tax refund advance of up to $5,000 deposited directly to their bank accounts in no more than two business days after the IRS accepts the taxpayers' electronically filed return. ERA is a loan, and a fee is charged by the lending institution, Household Bank, f.s.b.

TaxCut comes with the H&R Block guarantee. If a user is penalized because of a mistake in the program, Block will pay penalties and interest. TaxCut products can be bought wherever software is sold or downloaded from the TaxCut Web site. For more information, call 1-800-457-9525 or visit the TaxCut Web site at http://www.taxcut.com

Charles W. Moore

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