The number of tax returns filed with the Internal Revenue Service through July 10 were 1-percent higher than in the season through July 12, 2019. In this virus-extended season, that was the first time the IRS reported that big an increase over the prior year.

The Internal Revenue Service has set 2021 fees for application or renewal of Preparer Tax Identification Numbers. The fee is $21 fee per PTIN application or renewal (plus a $14.95 fee payable to a contractor).

A tax preparer based in Atlantic County, N..J., has been accused of filing phony tax returns for her clients and her own federal income tax returns. Michele Griffin, age 40, of Galloway, N.J., has been arrested following a 19-count indictment recently.