Keeping you informed and prepared amid the coronavirus crisis

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 reliefthe 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

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.

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.

Assessing goodwill impairment amid COVID-19

Goodwill impairment has become an area of increased focus since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. Here’s what CPAs need to know about goodwill impairment at this challenging time.

House passes $1.9 trillion stimulus bill with a variety of small business relief

The $1.9 trillion economic relief bill passed by the House of Representatives includes $25 billion for restaurants as well as additional funding for EIDL advance payments and the PPP. The bill also includes $1,400 stimulus payments to individuals and extends unemployment insurance supplements.

Tax provisions in the American Rescue Plan Act

The stimulus bill passed by the House contains many tax provisions, including a new round of economic stimulus payments, tax credits for COBRA continuation coverage, and expansions of the child tax credit, the earned income credit, and the child and dependent care credit.