Following are a few of the comments/emails we receive from Online Filing users, many of whom are seeking professional intervention:

"I tried filing over the Internet using two different sites, but the sites would not accept my return...and I'm not a stupid person!"

"Well, the [Unnamed Desktop Tax Package] asked if I had any deductible hobby expenses, so I put in $3,000 [on Schedule A Line 22]. I actually spent over $30,000 on my new stereo system this past year, but I thought that amount might raise a red flag."

"I paid $29.95 to one of your so-called tax experts who told me I could deduct money I gave to my children, and I already filed my return! And now you're saying [Unnamed Tax Program Online Community Tax Advice Moderator] that's NOT deductible?"

"I bought a computer tax package but don't know if I put in the right figures from my W-2s and 1099. I feel better having my return checked by a professional."

"This will be the last year I will be able to file a free 1040EZ online. I have moved a portion of my stock and commodities trading activities from a tax-deferred IRA account to a cash margin account starting this year. As a result of my experience with your company's [800-TAX REFUND] customer service filing my 1040EZ, I will be using your service again next year in hopes that I will be getting a similar experience with a much more detailed and complicated filing."

"My preparer does not offer e-file. Looks like I'm gonna have to figure out how to file these forms electronically myself."

"The web-based tax site printed out all these forms I didn't understand. I figured I'd have somebody look it over instead of just sending it over the Internet."

"[800-TAX REFUND] You helped me last year with my OLF tax return. I am hoping to get my papers together this weekend. My situation is same as last year exept two changes: My wife gets social security and we both have casino loss statements. Would you be able to prepare my return and how much will cost me? Also what documents I will need to send you or attach as pdf?"

"I've never filed before, so my mom prepared my tax return using [Unnamed Desktop Tax Package]. Did she do it right?"

"What do you mean your OLF program won't let me file Head of Household? [Unnamed Online Filing Program] let me file as Head of Household last year..." [even though his son didn't live with him and he didn't pay over half his son's support]

"How come I don't qualify for the Free 1040EZ? I've been filing 1040EZ all my life..." [single taxpayer after learning his state/local tax withholding exceeded the standard deduction; he would later add $1000 charitable contributions to his new Schedule A]

"Just had to comment on your fax service -- it's so much easier than for me to sit here ALL day inputting my tax info. I love the convenience of just being able to fax my return in and you guys take it from there! And at an unbeatable price for this service! I'll definitely spread the word and I'll be back next year! Thanks!"

"...I also appreciated the option to prepare my own return and fax it to you for review and e-filing. I believe, from my review of IRS-recommended accounting firms, that you may be the only firm that offers this option."

And a sampling of testimonials received from Practitioners, Financial Institutions, and Industry Partners:

“The Free File Alliance suffers from significant drawbacks. Taxpayers wishing to use Free File initially go to the IRS website and then are redirected to the commercial websites of the consortium members, where in many cases they are subjected to offers for products marketed by the software company or by a business affiliate. Among the products sold to taxpayers who begin their e-filing journey on the IRS website are audit protection, Refund Anticipation Loans, Individual Retirement Accounts, and mortgage refinancings."

National Taxpayer Advocate
June 2003 Annual Report

"Electronic Tax Filing is a great service that we are happy to provide for our members/owners! The process is easy and user-friendly. The IRS notification allows us to make Tax Refund Loans virtually risk free. Your staff are very helpful as well as knowledgeable, which make the whole process even better. We look forward to another successful tax season next year. Keep up the great work!"

Jack L. Sarver President/CEO
TeleCommunity Credit Union
Akron, Ohio

"Thanks, 800-TAX REFUND, Inc. for your support, patience and courtesy. I do appreciate your assistance with my first year of electronic filing and am looking forward to our continued working relationship!"

Debra James
Genesis Tax & Accounting Management Amherst, Ohio

"...To our pleasant surprise, we have seen steady growth each year in the [ Electronic Tax Filing ] program, as more and more members become aware of this new service. Not only has it generated additional fees and increased deposits (through direct deposits of tax refunds), but members are quite pleased with the service. 800-TAX REFUND, Inc. has provided excellent service and support in every way. We know that any customer inquiries or special circumstances that arise will be given prompt and thorough attention. We recommend the services of 800-TAX REFUND, Inc. to anyone considering starting an Electronic Tax Filing program for their institution."

Matt Teehan
Cleveland Firefighters Credit Union
Cleveland, Ohio

"To the staff at 800-TAX REFUND, Inc., I want to express my happiness with your service this year. You are by far the most satisfying e-file service I have ever had the pleasure of working with, and I've had some good ones. Patti, in particular, has been so much help this year - I know she could teach me a thing or two about the deductions on the Ohio tax return!"

Shirley Judd
Shirley's Tax Service
Madison, Ohio

"We have decided to go with the Fax Referral program this year. Please forward us lots of forms - we foresee a great year due to the new payment options [compared to traditional Drop-Off Collection program]. We feel we will be able to reach a wider range of members now that they will be able to fax their forms directly from their home or office."

Laurie Irwin, e-file Program Coordinator
Stark Federal Credit Union
Canton, Ohio