TaxAct can now connect its software customers with tax professionals. The capability has been added through integration with Taxfyle, a tax and accounting marketplace.  Similarly, H&R Block has introduced TaxEdge, to link users of Everlance and Hudir, which provide tracking and reporting income and expenses for freelancers, with Block preparrs.

The Personal Financial Planning Body of Knowledge has been updated by the American Institute of CPAs. The new publication provides guidance and clarity on the competencies and information that CPAs who provide financial planning services need to know. The AICPA also plans to release a Global Personal Financial Planning Body of Knowledge this year.

H&R Block says the number of Block Advisors offices reached 347, up 21 percent, over the first year of operation. The offices, which provide tax services, are also offering outsourced accounting through the use of Xero under an agreement reached in December to enable Block Advisors to use the cloud-based software.