TaxAct got off to a slow start for the current tax season, Chris Walters, CEO of parent company Blucora said this month. However, Walters said the product line typically lags the market but catches up as the season develops.

An Austell, Ga.-based tax preparer has been ordered to pay $2,601,957 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service. Thomas Holmes was ordered this month to pay that amount this month and sentenced to three years one month in prison.

The Internal Revenue Service is increasing visits to high-income preparers who have not filed tax returns in prior years. The IRS said this week with the hiring of additional personnel it will increase face-to-face visits with these individuals.