Taxpayers who request letter rulings, closing agreements and certain other rulings from the Internal Revenue Service must utilize the government's Pay.gov starting this summer. The requirement replaces the ability to pay these fees via check and money order.

OfficeTools, which markets practice management and workflow applications, has been acquired by AbacusNext. The purchase of OfficeTools by San Diego, Calif.-based AbacusNext is the latest move by the organization to expand into the accounting firm marketplace.

A tax preparer who earned more than $100,000 while claiming he was permanently disabled has been ordered to pay the state of Ohio $57,000 in restitution.  Fernando Cruz of Maineville, Warren County, Ohio, was found guilty of worker's compensation fraud.