The Securities and Exchange Commission has censured Chinese accounting firms that are members of the Big Four. The Chinese firms admitted they failed to produce requested documents before proceedings were begun in 2012. They must provide documents and meet SEC requirements over the next for year. Each firm agreed to pay $500,000.

Intuit has had better months for TurboTax. A week ago, it said it would reverse a decision to pull key forms from the desktop version of TurboTax Deluxe. This week, it halted transmission of state income tax returns after reports of fraud emerged in 18 states while Minnesota said it was not accepting returns prepared via the Intuit product.

The Internal Revenue Service has opened an online directory of tax return preparers. The searchable directory is designed to help taxpayers find professionals with credentials and select qualifications. Lists include attorneys, CPA and Enrolled Agents and those who have completed requirement for the IRS Annual Filing Season Program.