TRACY, Calif.--(Business Wire)--April 8, 2005--With only seven days until April 15 tax filing deadline, more than 58 million Americans - nearly half of all taxpayers - have yet to submit their returns to the IRS. "That leaves more than $100 billion in expected refunds sitting idle in the U.S. Treasury, instead of being used to pay bills or buy a tank of gas," said Leroy E. Petz, Sr., president of TaxBrain.com (www.taxbrain.com) third largest Internet-based tax service in the U.S.

"Every tax season seems the same, as the bulk of the taxpayers wait until the last minute to file and get their refunds" said Mr. Petz. "TaxBrain.com clients, however, are among the leaders in filing early this year. As of April 5, 2005, TaxBrain clients have claimed over $110 million in refunds," Mr. Petz continued. "By using Direct Deposit, they will have their money in only a few days."

Mr. Petz added, "The IRS reports that through April 1st, 52 million tax returns were filed electronically, a 7 percent increase from last year. Overall, 65 percent of all returns were e-filed -- up from 60 percent for the same period last year. The IRS expects for the first time to have more than half of all individual tax returns filed electronically."

"As we get deeper into the tax filing season, the percent difference between how many people are using e-file and used it last year keeps going up," said IRS Commissioner Mark W. Everson. "This shapes up as a really strong year. Taxpayers who haven't filed yet should check into e-file."

e-filing is also a good option if an extension is needed, or payment must be made. TaxBrain.com is now offering any taxpayer the ability to file for an extension of the April 15 deadline for IRS and state filings absolutely free.

"Unlike several major tax preparation companies who charge up to $20 for an online extension, TaxBrain.com offers any taxpayer this service at no charge. The taxpayer does not even have to be a user of TaxBrain.com," explained Mr. Petz.

The TaxBrain.com extension center is the most comprehensive in the industry, covering many different ways extensions can be obtained. Forms for extensions in any of the 44 states with income taxes are available, as well as for expatriates living abroad, and military personnel. In addition to filing online, extensions can be secured via regular mail, a credit card, or even over the telephone - the TaxBrain.com online extension center explains them all.

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.