Intuit is taking QuickBooks international, having just introduced its small business accounting product line in the United Kingdom, with a debut in Singapore scheduled for sometime during the fiscal year ended July 31. More English-speaking countries are likely to have introductions over the next three years as Intuit targets British Commonwealth countries.

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Paychex has agreed to acquire SurePayroll, a Chicago-based provider of Internet-based payroll services, via a merger valued at roughly $115 millon. SurePayroll will operate as a subsidiary of Paychex and will continue to be led by its president, Michael Alter. The companies said SurePayroll has about 30,000 customers.

Tax preparation company Jackson Hewitt says it has secured funding for all of its stores for assisted transfers through Santa Barbara Tax Products Group for the upcoming tax season. However, it still hasn't found backing for 100 percent of its stores for refund anticipation loans, which is needed to meet the terms of its agreements with lenders.

H&R Block still doesn't know if it will have a refund loan program next year, the company told analysts as it reported results for the second quarter ended October 30. However, the tax preparation and business services company says it might offer a program via which taxpayers receive advances on refunds, minus tax preparation fees. Meanwhile the company remains in negotiations with HSBC, the bank that has funded its RAL program.