With tax research, is there really an issue that is more important than making it easier to find results? Probably not, and along with the user efforts to improve navigation and user interfaces, the effort to gain quicker access to information will increasingly include support for mobile devices. But despite the pending mobile revolution, it's more traditional improvements that matter most to users this year.

WASHINGTON - The Internal Revenue Service expects an online application system for paid tax preparers to receive Preparer Tax Identification Numbers will go live in the middle of next month. Under proposed regulations, these professionals must obtain or reapply for a PTIN and pay a user fee of $64.25 each.