The CSIRC, which is responsible for monitoring the IRS network for cyber attacks and computer vulnerabilities, "is effectively performing most of its responsibilities for preventing, detecting, and responding to computer security incidents," according to a new report publicly released by TIGTA.

The IRS is confident that its initiatives to increase regulation of tax preparers will be found legal, despite challenges from opponents. Last week, IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman, said the new requirements were being implemented carefully and would "help smoke out unscrupulous preparers."

On March 30, the US Supreme Court held closed-door deliberations on President Obama's health care overhaul law. It is likely they cast their preliminary votes on how they will eventually rule. As the Supreme Court is known for keeping its secrets, no leaks are expected before formal opinions are written and announced from the bench. This is not expected until late June.

On March 16, Richard David Miranda, a former Arizona state representative, plead guilty in the US District Court for the District of Arizona to a two-count information charging him with defrauding a charity of more than $140,000 and evading income tax related to those unlawfully obtained funds.

A San Diego-area CPA, heading to trial on an $11 million tax fraud scheme, has been arrested for allegedly plotting to hire an acquaintance to murder two people planning to testify for the prosecution.

A new scam is targeted at those with so little income that they normally don't need to file a tax return. The scam involves trying to persuade victims to file a false tax return to claim a refund or stimulus payment based on the American Opportunity Tax Credit, even if the victim isn't eligible.

Can you sleep soundly at night knowing your firm is safe from data security breaches? Security is a vitally important area that often is overlooked or taken for granted by accounting and law firms because it's not looked at as strategic, but rather one of those things that should and must be done "just in case."

According to a new Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) report - Procedures Are Needed to Improve the Accounting and Monitoring of Restitution Payments to Prevent Erroneous Refunds - the IRS should beef up its internal controls to make sure that those convicted of tax crimes pay up.