Following the resignation of William J. McDonough, the
SEC appointed William D. Gradison Jr. acting chair of the PCAOB and
adopted new procedures for SEC Chairman Christopher Cox to use in
filling the position. Gradison is a founding member of the PCAOB.
The PCAOB selected Thomas Ray to succeed Douglas R.
Carmichael, who resigned as chief auditor, effective January 31, 2006.
Ray has served as deputy chief auditor since June 2003.
Checking the status of refunds will be easier this year,
thanks to a new version of the IRS Web site. The upgraded site has an
improved search engine and highlights to help taxpayers find the
most-requested forms, publications and online tools ( www.irs.gov ).
