Tracy, CA (February 11, 2004) -- Petz Enterprises, Inc., producers of the popular TaxBrainT Online Tax Center, the largest internet-based tax service, introduced new personal services to help record numbers of taxpayers who are filing taxes over the Web for the first time.

Refunds totaling as much as $68 billion refunds will be disbursed by the IRS by the end of April. This is the real impact of the new tax law that increased refunds among the 20 to 30 million Americans raising families, running local businesses or relying on investment income for their retirement. TaxBrain's emphasis on customer service is designed to make their e-filing experience the fastest, easiest way to get a refund.

New Interactive Chat Room Features Instantaneous Contact With Live Tax Expert

To meet the needs of the growing number of first-time e-filers through TaxBrain, an instantaneous, interactive chat room is available, connecting directly to a qualified, knowledgeable and friendly tax expert. The TaxBrain user simply asks the question and gets an answer - immediately.

According to Leroy E. Petz, Sr., President and CEO of Petz Enterprises, "On a day-to-day basis, we're seeing site visits grow from 20,000 to more than 30,000 daily, an increase of 50%. This matches the total increase over the same period last year, and is concrete evidence that e-filing is being accepted as the fastest, easiest and most secure way to prepare and file taxes, especially since larger refunds are anticipated."

"A recent ComScore Media Matrix report disclosed that more than 50% of all Americans are going online," he continued. "We are at the tipping point, where Americans are now seeking more products and services online than through traditional channels. This indicates a strong movement to online tax filing as the most convenient and cost-effective method."

A recent ThumbsUp® survey, conducted by Wallace and Washburn of Wellesley, MA for PEI, determined that 56% of the respondents in 2003 were first-time Internet tax filers. The majority previously prepared their taxes with pencil and paper at home, or used retail tax services.

About TaxBrain® Online Tax Center
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. TaxBrain is the only web-based tax solution that delivers online preparation, filing, professional assistance and representation for taxpayers in all 50 states. Launched in 2000, TaxBrain delivers the vision of a fully integrated tax center that accommodates the schedule and needs of the busy American lifestyle. In 2002, TaxBrain emerged as one of the most popular services for online tax preparation and filing available on the web. For more information, visit www.taxbrain.com.

About Petz Enterprises, Inc.
Petz Enterprises, Inc. (a closely held California corporation, PEI) is 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, and based in Tracy, California, PEI is dedicated to serving the needs of professional tax practitioners and individual taxpayers nationwide. For more information, visit www.petzent.com.