The spread of the novel coronavirus presents serious concerns and challenges for many around the world. To help, below we’re gathering the latest news stories along with relevant columns, tips, podcasts, and videos from the Journal of Accountancy. You can also read the latest news on advocacy and tax relief, the CARES Act, and the Paycheck Protection Program.
The Association, the global voice of the American Institute of CPAs and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, is continually monitoring the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on members, staff, exam candidates, students, and the profession. Visit this page on AICPA.org for updates and details about where to find the information you need.
COVID-19 news and resources
Finance leaders search for opportunities as outbreak drags on
While some companies find pockets of success, overall sentiment is neutral regarding the next 12 months, according to a quarterly survey.
COVID-19 decisions create data dilemma for businesses
The rush to set up and support remote working arrangements kept companies operating despite pandemic-related quarantines, but the swift shift to the cloud could mean that regulatory problems loom on the horizon. The first question that must be answered: Where is my data?
TQAs discuss nongovernmental health care entities’ pandemic-related issues
Technical Questions and Answers issued by the AICPA address nongovernmental health care entities’ accounting for governmental assistance related to the coronavirus pandemic.
State conformity to CARES Act relief
Relative to CARES Act tax provisions, state conformity to date is varied.
The new charitable deduction for nonitemizers
A one-time deduction of up to $300 can be taken directly on individual returns.
IRS temporarily allows e-signatures on some forms
The IRS identified a dozen forms for which is will accept e-signatures for the rest of the year. The forms covered include Form 8879, IRS e-file Signature Authorization, used for e-filing individual income tax returns.
Guidance issued on payroll tax deferral
The IRS issued guidance on the payroll tax deferral ordered by President Donald Trump on Aug. 8. The notice requires employers to withhold deferred taxes during the period from Jan. 1 to April 30, 2021.
How lenders should account for forgivable PPP loans
The forgivable portion of a Paycheck Protection Program loan should be accounted for by the lender as an interest-bearing loan until payment for that loan is received from the SBA, according to new Technical Question and Answer Guidance issued by the AICPA.
Tools to help nonfilers receive economic impact payments
The IRS provided information and tools that tax practitioners can use to inform individuals who are eligible to receive economic impact payments but did not receive one automatically.
New PPP forgiveness guidance addresses owner-employee compensation, rent-related costs
The SBA and Treasury published an interim final rule that provides clarity on Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness issues related to owner-employee compensation calculations and the eligibility of nonpayroll costs related to certain lease and property ownership scenarios.