With Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 behind us, the next big date for many Americans is April 15, and Amazon.com has created a micro-site designed to make it easier to file income taxes—and spend refunds.
Amazon, No. 1 in the Internet Retailer Top 500 Guide, this week launched Amazon Tax Central, which features tax-preparation software and such other essentials as calculators, shredders, scanners and coffee. To help consumers choose which software they need, the site offers charts that compare the software packages from two major providers, Intuit and H&R Block.
The site also features profiles of five typical taxpayers and the software that’s right for each. For instance, for Pam Beesly, a young “E-Z Breezy Filer” who, according to her tongue-in-cheek profile, just missed having to check that “married filing jointly box” this year and has a straightforward return, the site suggests the most basic versions of tax software. But more complex editions designed for business owners are suggested for “Fancy Filer” Dwight Schrute, who has a portfolio of investments.
“Tax season can be a stressful time for many Americans, but this year we hope to ease the challenge of preparing income tax returns by helping customers find, discover and buy the tax products that match their unique needs,” says Stacy Kerr, director of software at Amazon.com. “For those customers who aren’t quite sure which tax software products are right for them, Amazon Tax Central is a helpful resource that will point them down the road of tax filing success.” Customers can order the software for delivery or download it from the Amazon site.
Each profile page also includes customized suggestions of how this type of taxpayer might want to spend a tax refund, for instance, an exercise ball and an “Atlas of the Middle Earth” for Dwight, a foot massager and assorted teas for Pam.
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