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

IRS issues guidance on COVID-19 testing coverage

The IRS said that COVID-19 testing and diagnostics are not minimum essential coverage under a government-sponsored program and therefore do not disqualify taxpayers from taking the Sec. 36B premium tax credit or Medicaid.

Finance leaders search for opportunities as outbreak drags on

While some companies find pockets of success, overall sentiment is neutral regarding the next 12 months, according to a quarterly survey.

COVID-19 decisions create data dilemma for businesses

The rush to set up and support remote working arrangements kept companies operating despite pandemic-related quarantines, but the swift shift to the cloud could mean that regulatory problems loom on the horizon. The first question that must be answered: Where is my data?

TQAs discuss nongovernmental health care entities’ pandemic-related issues

Technical Questions and Answers issued by the AICPA address nongovernmental health care entities’ accounting for governmental assistance related to the coronavirus pandemic.

IRS temporarily allows e-signatures on some forms

The IRS identified a dozen forms for which is will accept e-signatures for the rest of the year. The forms covered include Form 8879, IRS e-file Signature Authorization, used for e-filing individual income tax returns.

Guidance issued on payroll tax deferral

The IRS issued guidance on the payroll tax deferral ordered by President Donald Trump on Aug. 8. The notice requires employers to withhold deferred taxes during the period from Jan. 1 to April 30, 2021.

How lenders should account for forgivable PPP loans

The forgivable portion of a Paycheck Protection Program loan should be accounted for by the lender as an interest-bearing loan until payment for that loan is received from the SBA, according to new Technical Question and Answer Guidance issued by the AICPA.

Tools to help nonfilers receive economic impact payments

The IRS provided information and tools that tax practitioners can use to inform individuals who are eligible to receive economic impact payments but did not receive one automatically.

New PPP forgiveness guidance addresses owner-employee compensation, rent-related costs

The SBA and Treasury published an interim final rule that provides clarity on Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness issues related to owner-employee compensation calculations and the eligibility of nonpayroll costs related to certain lease and property ownership scenarios.

IRS stops sending balance-due notices, corrects payroll tax penalties

The IRS has stopped sending balance-due notices to taxpayers as it works to process its backlog of unopened mail. It is also working to correct certain erroneous penalties for some employers who reduced their payroll tax deposits to claim COVID-19 relief-related credits.