Xero has revamped its Advisor Directory. The cloud-based software company says the directory takes advantage of the company's move to the AWS platform and utilizes a chatbot to connect small businesses to advisors via social media.

The Internal Revenue Service has launched an online application to assist taxpayers with balance inquiries. Available on IRS.gov, the tool enables them to view account balances, will include amounts they owe for tax, penalties and interest.

A tax preparer based in Stillwell, Kan., has been sentenced to 48 months in prison for using stolen client identities to obtain income tax refunds. Richard Drake was convicted of using the IDs to receive more than $2 million in refunds in clients' names, which he deposited into his own accounts.