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 relief, the 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

As cash worries persist, companies ponder cuts, investments

Revenue declines are chief on the minds of finance professionals in an April survey. More than half of finance professionals expect business operations to return to normal in the fourth quarter or later.

Overcoming site visit limitations in the pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has made site visits challenging for many auditors. Remote auditing techniques can help practitioners perform high-quality engagements during this difficult time.

6-month delay granted for peer reviews

The AICPA Peer Review Board voted to grant automatic six-month extensions for peer reviews, corrective actions and implementation plans with original due dates between Jan. 1 and Sept. 30 of this year.

AICPA proposes broad range of tax relief to aid economic recovery

The AICPA has made a broad range of legislative recommendations to encourage economic recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

SBA extends safe harbor for returning PPP funds

The safe-harbor period for returning Paycheck Protection Program funds has been extended through May 14 by the US Small Business Administration.

Effective dates extended for 3 AICPA ethics interpretations

As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the AICPA Professional Ethics Executive Committee voted to extend by one year the effective dates of AICPA ethics interpretations on information systems services, state and local government client affiliates and leases.

AICPA supports bill that would make PPP-funded expenses deductible

A bill introduced in the Senate would clarify that ordinary expenses funded by Paycheck Protection Program loans are deductible by taxpayers. If enacted, this would overrule a recent IRS notice saying the expenses are not deductible.

SEC temporarily expands access to crowdfunding

Responding to the coronavirus pandemic, the SEC said it has temporarily amended rules to provide established smaller companies with opportunities to meet their urgent funding needs through Regulation Crowdfunding.

EIDL loan portal reopens for agricultural businesses only

The SBA announced that agricultural businesses are now eligible for the EIDL and EIDL Advance programs.

SBA issues PPP guidance on laid-off employees who refuse to be rehired

Paycheck Protection Program recipients calculating loan forgiveness reductions do not have to factor in laid-off employees who decline a good-faith, written offer to be rehired for the same job, pay and hours.