COMPLETETAX™ Online Tax Preparation, E-filing Easy, Fast, Affordable

Federal and State Filing for Just $17.95 Combined

(RIVERWOODS, ILL., December 14, 2001) – For the growing number of taxpayers planning to head online this tax season, CCH INCORPORATED (CCH), a leading provider of tax law information and software, is enhancing CompleteTax (www.completetax.com), its low-cost, online tax preparation and filing service. Available for its third tax season, CompleteTax was developed by the CCH tax experts who developed and offer the market-leading professional tax preparation software, ProSystem fx Tax.

Easy to use and secure, CompleteTax is among the most comprehensive online solutions for preparing and filing tax returns, from simple 1040s to more complex returns common for small business owners or individuals with special tax situations.

"CompleteTax is the only online tax preparation and e-filing service for consumers that’s backed by an organization with the depth of experience CCH has in the tax and accounting fields," said Kevin Robert, president, CCH Tax Compliance. "Consumers are attracted to CompleteTax because it’s simple to use, intuitive, affordable and comprehensive. And, they have added peace of mind in knowing CCH has an 88-year reputation as a trusted provider of accurate and authoritative tax information and software for tax professionals."

Year-Round Financial Management Tools

CCH continues to add to CompleteTax, making it even more valuable to taxpayers, not just at tax time, but throughout the year. Enhancements and productivity tools include an entire portfolio of financial calculators to help consumers evaluate investment, home financing, personal financing and retirement options. These tools are available immediately to consumers.

Individuals interested in finding out ahead of time how the Tax Act of 2001 will affect their taxes can log onto the site now and use the CompleteTax Tax Relief Saving Calculator to determine within seconds what the legislation’s impact will be on their overall tax obligation. The site also includes a detailed summary of the tax changes.

Making Tax Preparation Easy

Because CompleteTax is fully web-enabled, taxpayers can complete their entire return online from any computer with Internet access without having to download software to their own computers.

CompleteTax’s online organizer allows individual and sole proprietor filers to quickly and accurately organize all of the tax information for their returns. As the organizer customizes itself based on responses to simple interview questions, filers need only enter information that is relevant for their specific tax return. Then, with a simple click of the mouse, CompleteTax does the rest, using sophisticated software to calculate and produce the final tax returns.

After approval by the taxpayer, CompleteTax can electronically file the return with the IRS and the appropriate state. CompleteTax supports electronic filing for all 42 states that allow it. Taxpayers who prefer to file a paper copy of their returns can print them from CompleteTax.

"Many taxpayers procrastinate when it comes to filling out their tax returns because it’s not a pleasant task," said Robert. "CompleteTax takes the pain out of the process, allowing taxpayers to easily and quickly finish and file their returns."

Getting Refunds Faster

Using CompleteTax’s electronic filing and automatic direct deposit options, taxpayers can get their refunds twice as fast as they would if they’d mailed their return.

In addition, CompleteTax users who expect to receive a federal income tax refund may apply online for a refund anticipation loan for just $29.95. If approved, they will receive the loan just a few days after the IRS accepts their electronic return.

Taxpayers owing money to Uncle Sam also have the option with CompleteTax of paying the balance via credit card. Those who file electronically also can pay the balance due on their federal and select state taxes via direct payment from their bank account.

Comprehensive Tax Help Resources

Leveraging CCH’s 88 years of experience in explaining tax rules and regulations, CompleteTax provides filers an easy to understand, fully searchable online tax reference library, as well as a tax calendar, glossary of terms and tax news, including issues new this year. Also provided are tax tools such as worksheets, tables and forms to help filers accurately complete their tax returns.

Specialized Small Business Help and Free Return Filings

Small business owners will especially benefit by using CompleteTax in conjunction with CCH’s Business Owner’s Toolkit Tax Guide 2002™ print reference (available online at www.toolkit.cch.com and through major booksellers beginning in January 2002). Buyers of the book also will be able to file both a federal and a state return through CompleteTax at no charge.

Safety and Security Assured

Each filer’s tax return information is password-protected on secured servers. Transmission of tax return information is encrypted using Secured Socket Layer protocol, a widely recognized Internet security standard.

Product Availability

Certain CompleteTax planning tools are available now, with the site to be ready to process 2001 returns in mid-January. The total cost for calculating, preparing and e-filing/printing both the federal and the state (if allowable by the state) returns is just $17.95. Taxpayers are charged only once their return is complete and they’re ready to either print and mail or electronically file their return.

About CCH INCORPORATED

CCH INCORPORATED, headquartered in Riverwoods, Ill., was founded in 1913 and has served four generations of business professionals and their clients. The company produces more than 700 electronic and print products for the tax, legal, securities, insurance, human resources, health care and small business markets. CCH is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wolters Kluwer North America. The CCH web site can be accessed at www.cch.com. The CCH tax and accounting web site can be accessed at http://tax.cchgroup.com.

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Editors Note: Members of the press interested in accessing CompleteTax for review should contact Mary Jung at 773-429-0940/mtjung@msn.com; or Mary Dale Walters at 847-267-2038/mediahelp@cch.com.