TaxBrain.com® Tax Service Kicks Off Season at ecomXpo

October 19, 2006; 12:29 AM

Tracy, CA – TaxBrain.com®, (www.taxbrain.com) third largest independent online tax service in the U.S., has successfully harnessed the internet as more than just a place to meet and serve online taxpayers. A Gold-level sponsor of ecomXpo, (www.ecomXpo.com) world’s largest online virtual trade show, TaxBrain .com continues to leverage new media technologies with marketing savvy for it’s increasing roster of Performance marketers.

For the past five tax seasons, TaxBrain.com has attracted an increasing number of do-it-yourselfers. But this year, growth is being dramatically accelerated. In fact, you could call it “supercharged,” and you’d be right.

“Stolen” NASCAR Drives TaxBrain.com into Winner’s Circle – TaxBrain.com Now Recognized as Leading Performance Marketer

As the fastest growing spectator sport in the country, NASCAR is wildly popular with TaxBrain.com’s demographic of 18-34 year old males. In California’s very active regional circuit of up-and-coming drivers and teams, TaxBrain.com is the primary sponsor of the Justin Philpott Racing team, based in Tracy, home of the legendary Altamont Motorsports Park (See www.philpottracing.com.); (see www.altamontracing.com).

As an off-season experiment, TaxBrain.com garnered national attention for it’s recently released viral video of a NASCAR race car being “stolen” by a fan at California’s Altamont MotorSports Park. (See www.stolennascar.com).

“Releasing the genie from the bottle…”

According to Craig Petz, Vice President of Marketing for TaxBrain.com, the consumer brand of Petz Enterprises, Inc., “as a relatively small competitor in an industry dominated by giants Intuit (www.intuit.com) and H&R Block, (www.hrblock.com) we are always looking for ways to increase brand awareness.

When a San Francisco-based TV station ran the footage without verifying whether the “theft” was real, or checking with local law enforcement to see if a monster horsepower racing machine was loose on Bay area streets, the genie was out of the bottle. Eventually, major broadcast and online outlets including NBC’s Today Show, ESPN, CNN Headline News, Sports Illustrated.com and Sporting News.com ran the video.”

TaxBrain.com’s newfound fame coincides with the recognition by the advertising industry that viral videos are rapidly becoming one of the most effective ways to reach potential buyers since the advent of the internet itself.

"TaxBrain.com has created one of the most competitive and successful affiliate marketing programs on the Web," said Todd Taylor, TaxBrain.com Director of Affiliate Marketing, quoting from a case study by industry leader, Commission Junction.

"TaxBrain.com is committed to providing our Affiliates with the best online marketing capabilities in the industry. When this tax season begins, for the first time TaxBrain.com Affiliates will have professionally produced video ads, a very powerful marketing tool that will make the 2006/07 tax season the most productive and profitable ever,” concluded Mr. Taylor.

“ It is gratifying that the affiliate marketing community recognizes TaxBrain.com’s unique accomplishments, but it’s more important that taxpayers feel secure and comfortable that we are the right source,” concluded Mr. Petz. “In fact, our first viral video shot to the number one most watched slot almost instantly. Turning this enthusiasm for the TaxBrain.com brand into sales for affiliates is one of our most important goals, and early signs are indicating very strong growth for the upcoming tax season.”

About eComXpo

eComXpo is the first virtual, online trade show and conference for eCommerce marketers. Its fourth show is October 24-26, 2006. Over 300 exhibitors, sponsors, and presenters will be gathering with over 7,000 attendees (making it the largest eCommerce tradeshow in the world), completely online and 100% free to attend. eComXpo provides all the benefits of a top tradeshow without the cost, travel or hassle normally associated with traditional events. Free registration and additional information are available at www.ecomxpo.com. eComXpo is hosted by InXpo (www.inxpo.com), which also powers online events in other markets.

For more information contact Allison Clark at Allison@ecomxpo.com or 1-847-921-7417.

About TaxBrain.com Online Tax Service

TaxBrain.com is the consumer division of Petz Enterprises, Inc. TaxBrain.com delivers online tax preparation, filing, professional assistance and representation in all 50 states. TaxBrain.com 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 need of the professional tax community and individual taxpayers worldwide. For more information, visit www.petzent.com.