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

Business Wire, August 18, 2005

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. -- Intuit(R) Inc. (Nasdaq:INTU) today announced that it's increasing its commitment to accountants by rolling out a series of new and enhanced programs. From free technical support for QuickBooks ProAdvisors(R) and a new accountant-dedicated support team to free in-person training seminars in 80 cities, the company has amassed one of the industry's most comprehensive programs for accountants.

Having spent thousands of hours observing and talking to accountants, the various programs are designed to address accountants' most critical needs. "We want to send a clear message that no one is more committed than Intuit to understanding the needs of accountants and 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-person QuickBooks training on accountant-specific topics in 80 cities nationwide (up from 40 cities). Accountants will also have access to more 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 from using QuickBooks to building a practice. Accountants can learn more about these and other programs at accountant.intuit.com.

Separately, Intuit will continue to offer its longstanding in-person training for Lacerte(R) and ProSeries(R) tax preparation products, 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 dedicated to accountants. The US-based team also includes expert QuickBooks accountants. Support is included with QuickBooks ProAdvisors membership at no additional charge. In addition, ProAdvisors will have access to a new "call-back" program, which allows ProAdvisors to schedule a time to have an Intuit support representative call them back. Accountants can even schedule to have an Intuit support rep call them at their client's office.

To make it easier and more convenient for accountants to provide feedback and share suggestions, Intuit has developed the new online Accountant Feedback Center. The center allows accountants to identify their most critical issues.

"Help me grow my business and find new clients"

Intuit has made it easier for the 3 million QuickBooks customers to connect with the nationwide network of Certified ProAdvisors. Prominent messaging on QuickBooks.com and in the QuickBooks Online Community (www.quickbooksgroup.com) directly links QuickBooks prospects and customers to the Certified ProAdvisor online referral service to get QuickBooks help, support, training and more. In addition, QuickBooks users will be encouraged to connect with a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor via direct links in the QuickBooks product itself, via welcome e-mails, and when they look for QuickBooks help or support.

To help accountants harness the business opportunity in the fast-growing retail industry, Intuit has created a new QuickBooks Retail Solution Provider Program for QuickBooks ProAdvisors who specialize in supporting retailers. QuickBooks ProAdvisors who commit to sales & customer support goals -- such as providing on-site implementation and training -- receive special discounts on QuickBooks Point of Sale software, upgrades and hardware. To be eligible for the program, Retail Solution Providers ("RSPs") must complete the most current QuickBooks POS certification exam and have demonstrated retail experience.

For more information

Nearly half of the 200,000 accounting firms using QuickBooks are members 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 and build successful practices. For more information on these and other accountant programs, please visit accountant.intuit.com.

About Intuit Inc.

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

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

Intuit, the Intuit logo, QuickBooks, and QuickBooks ProAdvisor among others, are registered trademarks and/or registered service marks of Intuit Inc. in the United States and other countries. Other parties' trademarks or service marks are the property of their respective owners and should be treated as such.