Just 31 days after surviving Y2K, it's time to turn your attention to that other dreaded acronym, the W-2. Timed to coincide with the unofficial beginning of tax-time, when all forms must be in the mail, Kinko's has announced a new service to provide tax relief for online filers. Taxpayers looking for an easy, convenient way to prepare and file their taxes online can bring their W-2s to any Kinko's store in the U.S. and receive 30 free minutes of computer time to prepare and file returns, and up to four free laser prints of their return. The service is available February 1 through April 17.

Through an alliance with Intuit, Kinko's customers have access to Quicken, TurboTax for the Web, SM, a fast, secure, and comprehensive leading online tax preparation and filing service.

Customers using Kinko's desktop computers can easily prepare and file federal and state tax returns, quickly and securely, using TurboTax for the Web through Kinko's Web site, http://www.kinkos.com www.kinkos.com without having to download any software. With the program, answers to IRS questions are placed.

Users simply answer questions in the TurboTax Easy Step Interview, written in plain English, and data automatically flows directly onto the appropriate IRS-approved forms. TurboTax for the Web's calculations are guaranteed to be accurate. Once completed, customers' returns will be filed automatically and can be filed electronically for the fastest refund, and Kinko's will provide up to four laser prints free of charge.

“This program is part of our commitment to offer customers quick and easy access to technology to meet their document needs,” says Joe Hardin, Kinko's, Inc. CEO.

”With all Kinko's stores in the US offering Internet access and copying services, Kinko's is uniquely positioned to offer this convenient tax-payer service,” he added.

According to Hardin, the program should have wide appeal due to the growing interest in electronic filing.

The IRS expects more than five million taxpayers to file electronically this year, an increase of 60% from last year.

Those filing the Form1040EZ form, or with adjusted gross incomes under of $20,000 or less, can file electronically and use the service for free, while all others will be charged Intuit's Quicken's standard fee of $9.95 for federal and $9.95 for state returns.

Kinko's is the world's leading provider of visual communications services and document copying. Its global network of more than 1,000 digitally connected locations offers 24-hour access to technology for color printing, finishing and presentation services, Internet access, videoconferencing and web-based on-demand printing and document management solutions.

Named for the second consecutive year as a top Fortune 100 best companies to work for in America, it is a privately held corporation, with more than 25,000 co-workers, and locations in nine countries. It is headquartered in Ventura, Calif.

Quicken TurboTax is the top-selling tax preparation software program, with approximately 70 percent retail unit share in 1999, according to PC Data. Its Web-based counterpart, Quicken TurboTax for the WebSM, is the leading site for online tax preparation and filing.

In addition, Intuit offers Quicken TurboTax Home & Business, designed exclusively for self-employed taxpayers and Quicken TurboTax for Business, for corporations and partnerships. With 16 years of personal finance expertise, the TurboTax family of products helps save time and money for millions of Americans each year.

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