The Internal Revenue Service has launched an online search tool, Exempt Organizations Select Check to help users obtain information about tax-exempt organizations. This includes determining federal tax status and filings by visiting IRS.gov.

The Justice Department has asked a federal court to bar Cynthia H. Carter, who does business as Cynthia's Tax Service in Columbus, Miss., from preparing federal tax returns for others. Carter is accused of preparing returns that reported false income and expenses and tax credits , including the first-time-homebuyer credits.

Sikich, based in Naperville, Ill., has acquired Denver-based Streamline Systems, which markets the Dynamics AX financial application. The deal, accomplished via merger, represents a significant addition to the Sikich software reselling business. Terms were not disclosed.