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
How to nurture your accounting staff during the pandemic
Here’s what you can do to help staffers deal with the pressures of working virtually under current conditions.
Senate passes amended $1.9 trillion COVID-19 stimulus bill
The Senate approved a $1.9 trillion pandemic economic relief bill on Saturday. The bill will be sent back to the House of Representatives because the Senate changed the legislation originally approved by the House.
AICPA calls on SBA to change 'unfair' PPP guidance, deadline
The AICPA reiterated its recommendation that the SBA delay the end of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) application period by at least 60 days and also urged the SBA to make retroactive new rules issued this week changing the formula sole proprietors use to calculate their maximum loan amounts.
Employee retention credit guidance update and rising economic confidence
This podcast with transcript shares analysis of the latest IRS guidance on the employee retention credit and takes a look at CPA executives’ sentiment about the economy.
AICPA requests tax deadline postponements until June 15
In a letter, the AICPA asked the IRS to postpone until June 15, 2021, all 2020 federal income tax and information returns and payments (e.g., extension and estimated payments) originally due April 15, 2021.
Economic confidence recovers to near pre-pandemic levels for finance leaders
Sentiment has risen for three consecutive quarters in a quarterly survey of CPA executives in business and industry. Revenue and profit are projected to increase in the next year.
PPP borrowers can use gross income, SBA rules
Paycheck Protection Program rules released by the SBA allow self-employed individuals who file a Form 1040, Schedule C, to calculate their maximum loan amount using gross income instead of net profit.
Will states be able to extend their tax filing seasons?
An AICPA expert details some of the factors that could affect changes to filing dates.
AICPA urges Congress to extend PPP deadline
The American Institute of CPAs, citing ongoing processing problems with the Paycheck Protection Program, called on Congress to extend the program’s application deadline past the current March 31 date. The AICPA is recommending an extension of at least 60 days.
IRS issues employee retention credit guidance
The IRS issued guidance on the employee retention credit in effect for qualified wages paid after March 12, 2020, through Dec. 31, 2020, including how it interacts with Paycheck Protection Program loans.