The Latest

KPMG has agreed to pay $8.2 million to settle Securities and Exchange Commission charges that the firm violated rules requiring auditors to remain independent from the public companies they’re auditing to ensure they maintain their objectivity and impartiality.

The Internal Revenue Service recently drafted Affordable Care Act regulations that offer some insight into what will be the associated monetary penalties for individuals who do not take up health care coverage.

The U.S. Departments of Treasury and Education are partnering with accounting and tax software developer Intuit to raise awareness of income-driven repayment plans and other repayment options for federal student loan borrowers.

Mike Goral joins Weaver as partner in the firm’s Dallas office where he will spearhead the firm’s state and local tax services division.

The Taxpayer Advocate proposes a list of rights — and responsibilities

While many taxpayers look forward to filing season as the time they can get “free money” in the form of their tax refund, those with more complex returns are focused as well on avoiding situations that might lead to an audit.

The American Institute of CPAs announced that Judith H. O’Dell was honored with its Special Recognition Award for her work to create changes for private company financial reporting standards.

Smith, Goolsby, Artis & Reams and Kelley, Galloway & Co. have agreed to merge. The deal is expected to close on July 1, 2014.

WithumSmith+Brown has merged in another Hutchins, Meyer & DiLieto, PA, building WS+B’s presence in Toms River, N.J.

MiddletonRaines+Zapata LLP has merged with Cindi Johnson, PC.