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

Quiz: Are you ready for year-end planning during a pandemic?

When it comes time to put on your year-end planning hat, will you be prepared to provide the best tax and financial planning advice to clients? Take this quiz to see if you’re ready to tackle year-end planning for 2020.

SBA to require PPP loan necessity form from large borrowers

Businesses and not-for-profits that received $2 million or more in PPP loans must complete one of two new loan necessity questionnaires the SBA is sending to lenders for distribution to borrowers.

Companies rethink the office, but they’re not ready to say goodbye

Most plan to keep their current real estate, but they are reimagining what that space could look like.

9 tips for successful auditing of revenue recognition

A new standard and the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic make auditing revenue recognition difficult. These tips can help.

IRS announces help with tax debt

The IRS said it was revising its procedures to help taxpayers who cannot pay their taxes because of the pandemic. The new program is called the Taxpayer Relief Initiative.

Fed opens up Main Street loans to smaller businesses

The Federal Reserve board announced that it lowered the minimum loan size for three of its Main Street Lending Program facilities in an effort to make the program available to more and smaller businesses.

Guidance on deferred employee payroll tax issued

The IRS issued guidance to employers and employees on reporting deferred Social Security tax on Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, under the Aug. 8 Presidential Memorandum authorizing the deferral.

FASB staff weighs in on debt modifications and restructurings

FASB staff issued a paper that educates borrowers on accounting for debt modifications and restructurings, which have surged as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Template for requesting penalty abatement available from AICPA

The AICPA has created a template for members to use when requesting a penalty abatement from the IRS. Many taxpayers are receiving penalty notices after COVID-19 hampered their ability to meet tax filing obligations.

Pandemic resilience starts with compassion, accountants say

Panelists at an AICPA fall Council presentation on resilience explained how basic values can drive success during troubled times such as the coronavirus pandemic.