The Internal Revenue Service should have done a better job of informing taxpayers about refund delays during the past tax season, according to the annual report of the National Taxpayer Advisor. The report to Congress this week by Advocate Erin M. Collins said the IRS should create a regularly updated “COVID-19. Dashboard” and by issuing weekly news releases.

Seven tax return preparers in Charlotte, N.C., have pleaded guilty to charges relating to preparing fraudulent tax returns. The individuals include the owner of Kapital Financial Services and its employees.

The Internal Revenue Service has expanded its Identity Protection PIN Opt-In Program to all taxpayers who can verify their identities. The program was launched nearly decade ago to protect confirmed ID  theft victims from ongoing tax-related fraud and was later expanded into specific states where taxpayers could voluntarily opt into the program.