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 seeks certainty on filing deadline and relief for 2020 tax year

The AICPA has written to Treasury and the IRS, calling for certainty about the April 15 tax filing and payment deadline and for underpayment and late-payment penalty relief during the COVID-19 pandemic.

New PPP changes attempt to ease smallest businesses’ access

The White House said it will allow only businesses with fewer than 20 employees to apply for PPP loans during a two-week period starting Wednesday. The administration also will change the PPP loan calculation formula to help sole proprietors, independent contractors and self-employed individuals receive more financial support.

PPP processing delays continue

Anti-fraud screenings by the SBA are delaying the processing of Paycheck Protection Program loan applications, sometimes for weeks, AICPA executives said during an online Town Hall.

IRS provides cafeteria plan relief for the pandemic

The IRS issued guidance on how employers can amend their health flexible spending arrangements and dependent care assistance programs to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.

From the filings: Supply chain lessons from the pandemic

Industrial giants 3M, Arrow Electronics, and Caterpillar explain how they navigated disruptions.

Single audits: Deliver high quality in a challenging time

The federal funding surge that accompanied the coronavirus pandemic has made single audits more challenging than ever. But now that the rules have been released, practitioners need to focus on delivering high-quality single audits in this difficult time.

SBA announces PPP process changes

The US Small Business Administration said that it is updating the Paycheck Protection Program’s processes and application platform to speed up the flow of funds to small businesses.

Virtual accounting: How to succeed remotely

Founders of a fully virtual accounting firm share how accountants can succeed at working remotely now and after the pandemic is over.

Senate shows bipartisan support for mobile workforce tax legislation

The Senate voted to make room in the FY 2021 budget resolution for mobile workforce legislation. Details of the budget still must be negotiated, but the vote creates the possibility that mobile workforce legislation, which the AICPA strongly supports, will be enacted this year.

Eligible educators may deduct personal protective equipment expenses

The IRS issued guidance providing a safe harbor under which eligible educators who have unreimbursed expenses for personal protective equipment, disinfectant, and other supplies used to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the classroom can deduct those expenses as educator expenses.