Three individuals, whose previous employers were barred from preparing federal income tax returns from offers have themselves gotten the boot. The court action against  Shandon Allen, Tabitha Tunstall, and Shewanda Hamilton said the three started business as Southern King Taxes 2012 in the Memphis, Tenn., area after the owners of their previous employer, Mo' Money Taxes, were barred from the business

Xero has discontinued the job of chief revenue officer. The company said the move stemmed from the addition of a chief marketing officer who has responsibility for online sales and marketing, and the growth in regional capabilities.

H&R Block believes acquiring or franchising independent tax preparation services represents a great path for growth. The company says it is targeting good performers in the pool of 67,000 independents that prepare at least 100 returns each year. Besides enabling it to expand store count, the strategy will also allow Block to enter new markets such as ethnic ones and specialized segments that require greater expertise.