Intuit Doubles Down on Accountants; New and Enhanced Programs Aim to Solve Accountants' Most Critical Needs

Having spent thousands of hours observing and talking toaccountants, the various programs are designed to address accountants'most critical needs. "We want to send a clear message that no one ismore committed than Intuit to understanding the needs of accountantsand giving them the resources and support they need to be successful,"said Jill Ward, vice president of accountant programs for Intuit.

"Make it easier to learn the products"

Intuit has doubled its investment to provide free, in-personQuickBooks training on accountant-specific topics in 80 citiesnationwide (up from 40 cities). Accountants will also have access tomore than 60 free web-based QuickBooks training sessions. Furthermore,accounting associations -- both at the state and at the chapter level-- will have free access to in-person presentations on everything fromusing QuickBooks to building a practice. Accountants can learn moreabout these and other programs at accountant.intuit.com.

Separately, Intuit will continue to offer its longstandingin-person training for Lacerte(R) and ProSeries(R) tax preparationproducts, along with improved web-based training programs.

"Make it easier to get the support I need and provide feedback"

Intuit has created a specialized support staff that is dedicatedto accountants. The US-based team also includes expert QuickBooksaccountants. Support is included with QuickBooks ProAdvisorsmembership at no additional charge. In addition, ProAdvisors will haveaccess to a new "call-back" program, which allows ProAdvisors toschedule a time to have an Intuit support representative call themback. Accountants can even schedule to have an Intuit support rep callthem at their client's office.

To make it easier and more convenient for accountants to providefeedback and share suggestions, Intuit has developed the new onlineAccountant Feedback Center. The center allows accountants to identifytheir most critical issues.

"Help me grow my business and find new clients"

Intuit has made it easier for the 3 million QuickBooks customersto connect with the nationwide network of Certified ProAdvisors.Prominent messaging on QuickBooks.com and in the QuickBooks OnlineCommunity (www.quickbooksgroup.com) directly links QuickBooksprospects and customers to the Certified ProAdvisor online referralservice to get QuickBooks help, support, training and more. Inaddition, QuickBooks users will be encouraged to connect with aCertified QuickBooks ProAdvisor via direct links in the QuickBooksproduct itself, via welcome e-mails, and when they look for QuickBookshelp or support.

To help accountants harness the business opportunity in thefast-growing retail industry, Intuit has created a new QuickBooksRetail Solution Provider Program for QuickBooks ProAdvisors whospecialize in supporting retailers. QuickBooks ProAdvisors who committo sales & customer support goals -- such as providing on-siteimplementation and training -- receive special discounts on QuickBooksPoint of Sale software, upgrades and hardware. To be eligible for theprogram, Retail Solution Providers ("RSPs") must complete the mostcurrent QuickBooks POS certification exam and have demonstrated retailexperience.

For more information

Nearly half of the 200,000 accounting firms using QuickBooks aremembers of the QuickBooks ProAdvisor or Intuit's ProConnection(SM)programs. These programs help provide accountants with the support,training, information and resources needed to serve their clients andbuild successful practices. For more information on these and otheraccountant programs, please visit accountant.intuit.com.

About Intuit Inc.

Intuit Inc. is a leading provider of business and financialmanagement solutions for small and mid-sized businesses, consumers andaccounting professionals. Its flagship products and services,including QuickBooks(R), Quicken(R) and TurboTax(R) software, simplifysmall business management and payroll processing, personal finance,and tax preparation and filing. ProSeries(R) and Lacerte(R) areIntuit's leading tax preparation software suites for professionalaccountants.

Founded in 1983, Intuit had annual revenue of nearly $1.9 billionin its fiscal year 2004. The company has nearly 7,000 employees withmajor offices in 13 states across the U.S., and offices in Canada andthe United Kingdom. More information can be found at www.intuit.com.

Intuit, the Intuit logo, QuickBooks, and QuickBooks ProAdvisoramong others, are registered trademarks and/or registered servicemarks of Intuit Inc. in the United States and other countries. Otherparties' trademarks or service marks are the property of theirrespective owners and should be treated as such.