June 26 (Bloomberg) -- Intuit Inc., the world's largest maker of tax-preparation software, will cut about 575 jobs, or 7 percent of its workforce, amid a shift to Internet-based services.

The reductions will result in pretax expenses of about $22 million, or 4 cents a share, in the quarter ending July 31, the Mountain View, California-based company said today in a statement. Intuit now expects a fourth-quarter loss of 7 cents to 9 cents a share, excluding some costs. Analysts surveyed by Bloomberg had estimated 5 cents.

Intuit is entering emerging markets and adding Web-based services that complement its packaged programs, such as the QuickBooks accounting software. The company said it will use the money saved by the job cuts to invest in these areas. That may help reduce its reliance on sales generated in the run up to the April U.S. tax filing deadline.

Intuit reaffirmed its annual revenue forecast, given in May, for sales of $3.05 billion to $3.06 billion.

Intuit fell 54 cents to $28.37 at 4 p.m. New York time in Nasdaq Stock Market trading. The shares have declined 10 percent this year.

To contact the reporter on this story: Rochelle Garner in San Francisco at rgarner4@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: June 26, 2008 16:51 EDT