Jeffrey Deshon Applewhite, also known as Jeffrey Donald Mason, has been sentenced today to 36 months in prison. A former CPA, Applewhite drew the term after he was convicted on April 28, following a five-day trial, on 20 counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of false and fraudulent tax returns.

Sales-tax services provider Avalara said this week it has raised $100 million in financing from an affiliate of Warburg Pincus. The Bainbridge, Island.-Wash.-based software company says its plans include international expansion and strategic acquisitions.

Tax store chain Liberty Tax Service has launched SiempreTax+, a brand focused on the Hispanic community. But the operation will provide more than tax preparation services—will also offer driver's license assistance, notary services and immigration help. The brand is built around "Siempre", the Spanish word for "always".