The Internal Revenue Service has launched a program called the Early Interaction Initiative, designed to more quickly identify employers who are falling behind on their payroll or employment taxes. The IRS said the initiative is designed to help employers stay in compliance and avoid interest and penalty charges.

A 34-year old Alexandria, Va., man has been ordered to pay $20,427,688.03 in restitution to victims in a case in which he submitted false sales tax refund claims to government agencies. Sean M. Weaver was sentenced to five years 11 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to mail fraud and money laundering.

Liberty Tax has named James J. Wheaton as chief compliance officer. Wheaton, who is taking on a new role, serves as general counsel for both Liberty Tax Service and its principal subsidiary, JTH Tax, which does business as Liberty Tax Service. Wheaton will continue was counsel for Liberty Tax and as VP of legal and governmental affairs.