And it's a complete online experience, with nothing to download. But after the Web site drew more than 200,000 visitors, many of whom were taxpayers who prepare their own returns, the company decided to expand its product to accommodate individual taxpayers. However, last year we had a lot of people who were brand new in preparing their returns, and we'll continue to attract new people who are not familiar with preparing their own. We try to make it as simple and easy as possible to follow. The automated format walks self-preparers through their personal tax return.
Returns are available for every state that has income tax.
Interested taxpayers can log on now to register for notification when the site becomes available in mid-January, and to sign up for a tax planning newsletter. First, they feel more comfortable with the Internet. . . . It's a more secure environment. People are more familiar with it, and you've got these calculations being done for you automatically, so it ensures a more accurate return. Last year, more than 2 million taxpayers filed their taxes online compared with about 200,000 just a couple years ago.