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

Taxpayers need clarity on coordination of ERC and PPP loans

The AICPA asked the IRS and Treasury to clarify that the filing of a Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness application is not an election by the taxpayer to forgo the employee retention credit for wages reported on the application exceeding the amount of wages necessary for loan forgiveness.

PPP calculations guidance released

The SBA and Treasury issued guidance addressing how Paycheck Protection Program borrowers should calculate revenue reduction and maximum loan amounts for second-draw PPP loans — and what documentation should be provided to support those calculations.

Guidance issued for PPP first-draw loan increases, reapplications

New procedural guidance from the SBA outlines the processes Paycheck Protection Program borrowers and their lenders must follow to reapply for a first-draw PPP loan or request an increase to a loan approved by Aug. 8, 2020, which is when the first iteration of PPP stopped accepting applications.

PPP application dates announced

Lenders with $1 billion or less in assets can start making Paycheck Protection Program loans on Friday, the U.S. Small Business Administration and Treasury announced. The application window will open for all lenders Jan. 19.

AICPA encourages firms to aggressively advance PPP applications

The AICPA said Wednesday that it expects SBA and Treasury to open the Paycheck Protection Program’s application window to all lenders by Friday. The AICPA is also encouraging firms to advance the application process for small business clients seeking relief.

Deterring and detecting fraud at a time of heightened risk

Fraud risks have increased as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. A new report by the Anti-Fraud Collaboration provides strategies for mitigating those risks.

PPP application forms released

The new forms are Form 2483 for first-draw PPP loans and Form 2483-SD for second-draw PPP loans, which are available for previous PPP borrowers that need further assistance and meet eligibility requirements.

Date set for limited PPP reopening

The US SBA and Treasury announced that community financial institutions that serve minority- and women-owned businesses exclusively will be able to make first-draw PPP loans starting Monday and second-draw PPP loans starting Wednesday.

New PPP guidance issued by SBA, Treasury

The US SBA and Treasury released guidance for the revived and reconstituted Paycheck Protection Program. The guidance came in the form of two interim final rules, including one that details the guidelines for new PPP loans to businesses that previously received PPP funding.

Guidance permits change in vehicle use valuation during pandemic

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the IRS is allowing employers to switch from the vehicle lease valuation method to the cents-per-mile method for determining the value of an employee’s personal use of a vehicle during the pandemic.