Intuit Inc posted higher quarterly profit on Tuesday, which includes the tax season, boosted by strong demand for its TurboTax tax preparation software and its QuickBooks accounting software.

The Mountain View, Calif-based said net profit rose to $444.2 million, or $1.33 per share, in its fiscal third quarter ended April 30, from $367.2 million, or $1.04 per share, in the year-ago period.

Net income rose 21 percent to $444.2 million, or $1.33 a share, from $367.2 million, or $1.04 a share, one year ago.

Excluding items, the company's income would have been $463.9 million, or $1.39 a share, compared to $397.6 million, or $1.13 a share.

Analysts expected, on average, earnings of $1.33 a share on $1.29 billion revenue.

The company's tax software competes with similar packages sold by H&R Block, which also produce tax-preparation services.

Looking ahead, the company raised its full-year 2008 revenue, operating income and earnings per share guidance. Intuit said it expects revenue of $3.05 billion to $3.06 billion, or growth of 14 percent; and earnings of $1.42 to $1.44, or growth of 15 percent to 16 percent.