Beyond415 WorkCenter has been given a simplified user interface and an interactive file system. The publisher, New River Innovation, has also added the Secure Data Connector to enable users to download and edit prefilled Beyond415 template documents in Microsoft Office programs, and automatically save changes back to Beyond415, which hands post-tax filing needs.

An Alabama tax preparer has been sentenced to 48 months in prison and order to pay restitution of $721,519.12 for her role in the use of stolen identifies to obtain millions of dollars in tax refunds. Larreka Jackson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to file false claims and one count of aggravated identity theft in January.

The governing council of the American Institute of CPAs has approved allowing the Institute to offer specialized credentials in forensics, business valuation, technology assurance and financial planning outside the United States. The credentials would be offered through non-U.S. accounting bodies that must have stringent codes of conduct and eligibility requirements.