TRACY, Calif.--Feb. 10, 2005--"Many first-time taxpayers are shocked by the amount taken out of their salaries for federal and state taxes, complicated by the process of filling out tax forms based on W-2 information. Preparing and filing electronically via the Internet, fledgling taxpayers will see how easy it is to get their refunds quickly," said Leroy E. Petz, Sr., President of Petz Enterprises, producers of TaxBrain Online Tax Service.

"Any young person coming into the workforce for the first time is bound to be shocked by the amount of money taken out of their hard-earned pay - in some cases ranging from 42% or more, depending on the state in which they live. But few realize that the Internet is taxpayer friendly. In only a few minutes, a first-time filer completes the process, and can expect the maximum refund within a few days. Since most young people joining the workforce have access to the Internet, this should be a cause for celebration, not consternation," concluded Mr. Petz.

Industry forecasts suggest more than 10 million returns will be prepared and filed online this year, a 30% increase over last season. Now in its fifth consecutive e-filing season, TaxBrain Online is the third largest independent online tax service in the United States and is seeing e-filing gradually replacing the neighborhood tax preparer, while substantially cutting into the sales of packaged software.

About TaxBrain® Online Tax Service

TaxBrain Online is the only web-based tax solution delivering online preparation, filing, professional assistance and representation in all 50 states. TaxBrain is a full-service online tax center providing tax advice, tools, and resources all year to help taxpayers manage their tax burden with greater confidence and ease. For more information visit www.taxbrain.com/press.

About Petz Enterprises, Inc.

Petz Enterprises, Inc. (a closely-held California corporation) is a software development company and a leading provider of tax preparation and filing solutions for the professional and consumer markets, helping to automate and simplify federal, state and local tax compliance. PEI's Crosslink® line of professional tax software products enable tax practitioners and service bureaus to accurately prepare and file large volumes of individual tax returns. Founded in 1974, Tracy, CA-based PEI is dedicated to serving the needs of the professional tax community and individual taxpayers worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.petzent.com.