Tax season

H&R Block launched an app for iPhone and Android smartphones Friday with an offer for free federal 1040EZ and state tax preparation and electronic filing through February 29.

The Internal Revenue Service re-launched its annual outreach campaign Friday to promote Earned Income Tax Credit Day.

The Internal Revenue Service warned Thursday that tax refunds could be delayed a week this tax season because of new identity theft safeguards.

The Walmart Foundation has teamed up with the United Way and other nonprofits to offer free tax filing services, along with education on eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit and government nutritional assistance programs.

Payroll provider Paychex is offering a free federal and state tax practice sheet that accountants can pass along as a tax season gift to their clients, branded with the CPA practice’s own name.

While the Internal Revenue Service is making gains in its processing capabilities due to increased electronic filing, the agency still needs to offer taxpayers more self-service tools, according to a new report.

CCH Small Firm Services has partnered with tax and accounting services provider Tax Rite Inc. to offer resources for tax advice and technology issues.

The Internal Revenue Service said Tuesday that its Modernized e-File, or MeF system successfully opened this morning at 9:00 am Eastern Time and is now operational for individual tax returns and extensions.

Tax form software developer Greatland Corporation has launched W-2 & 1099 Manager and FileTaxes.com Mobile, free mobile applications designed to help to manage year-end employee or contractor reporting via iPad and iPhone 3GS or newer versions.

Online metasearch product maker InfoSpace Inc. has signed a definitive agreement to acquire online tax product provider TaxACT for $287.5 million in cash after the Justice Department blocked H&R Block from buying the company.

The Internal Revenue Service said Monday that its electronic filing system is now open for business tax returns.

Retail giant Walmart will be providing free federal 1040EZ tax return filing through its partners H&R Block and Jackson Hewitt at more than 3,000 of its stores this tax season.

The Internal Revenue Service plans to finally release its re-engineered Transcript Delivery System on Monday, just in time for tax season.

The Internal Revenue Service has extended innocent spouse relief to a greater number of taxpayers under newly proposed guidelines.

While 2011 ended without many last-minute tax law changes aside from the payroll tax cut extension, taxpayers should still be aware of a number of changes.

The Internal Revenue Service opened the 2012 tax season on Wednesday by extending the tax-filing deadline until April 17.

While all Preparer Tax Identification Numbers from last tax season expired on December 31, the Internal Revenue Service said its PTIN system would continue to accept renewals after the deadline.

H&R Block kicked off tax season Tuesday with a new service that allows its tax preparers and clients to meet in real-time via videoconference.

Year-end planning is now behind us. Many believe that the failure of the joint congressional committee to reach a deficit reduction agreement pushes fundamental tax reform off at least until after the 2012 elections. Some tax changes are still possible with respect to jobs promotion and extending expiring provisions, but those efforts will be primarily focused on 2012. So, what do we know now about what is new for the 2011 tax return filing season?

Tighter IRS scrutiny of preparers and returns, staffing issues and a stagnant economy are facing tax professionals as they ready their practices for a new filing season.