Tax season kicked off this week with an emphasis on free. This free tax preparation and filing for do-it-yourselfers with simple returns. It also starts with some high-profile advance and loan products, of special interest for those whose tax refunds are being held until mid-February.

Data analytics and data visualization promise a new way of conducting audits. But there is a lot of work to be done to develop the technology and prove the validity of these techniques in replacing traditional audit methodology. That was the message of a panel discussing the Rutgers AICPA Data Analytics Research (RADAR) Initiative recently.

H&R Block is implementing changes throughout its operations in order to stem client closses. The tax services chain, which had a weak 2016 tax season, has reworked "all customer-facing parts of the business," according to CEO Bill Cobb.