Tax prep companies duel, Spirit merger axed

Intuit sues H&R Block: In a lawsuit filed Monday, Intuit alleges that competitor H&R Block makes use of “false and deceptive advertising” to achieve a aggressive edge on Intuit’s TurboTax. The lawsuit factors to inaccurate value and product variations displayed on H&R Block’s web site that counsel its providers are much like however cheaper than these of TurboTax. The case comes as each corporations are investing in AI choices, whereas the IRS’s new Direct File program, if confirmed profitable throughout its pilot this yr, could pose big competitors for each corporations. Full story.

Apple could quickly lose out on App Retailer income: Justices rejected Apple’s Supreme Courtroom attraction after decrease courts dominated that the tech large’s App Retailer violates unfair competitors legal guidelines in California. Rejecting the plea lifted a maintain on a court docket order that may let app builders insert hyperlinks to different fee choices inside iPhone apps—making it simpler for builders to bypass Apple’s 15% to 30% commissions. The order may value Apple billions in income. Full story.

Drizly to close down: Three years after buying Drizly for $1.1 billion, Uber is shutting down the alcohol supply service. Uber representatives say the shutdown, which can occur by the top of March, will permit the corporate to focus extra intently on Uber Eats and make its app a one-stop-shop for meals, groceries, and alcohol. Full story.

JetBlue-Spirit acquisition blocked: In a choice introduced Tuesday, a federal choose blocked a $3.8 billion merger of JetBlue Airways and finances airline Spirit Airways, which might have created the fifth-largest U.S. airline. The choose stated the acquisition would hike prices for purchasers reliant on Spirit’s low fares. Full story.

Dangerously chilly climate: Winter storms and low temperatures led to canceled courses, closed federal workplaces, disrupted air journey, and postponed NFL playoff video games in some cities within the Rockies, Nice Plains, and Midwest areas on Tuesday. The intense climate set a report for the coldest Iowa caucus, held Monday evening. Full story.