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

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.

AICPA urges release of PPP loan forgiveness guidance

The AICPA issued an “urgent call” for the Treasury Department and the US Small Business Administration to release guidance on Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness calculations.

AICPA challenging nondeductibility of PPP-related expenses

The IRS issued guidance clarifying that a deduction is disallowed for expenses for payroll costs, mortgage interest, rent, utilities, and other interest on debt obligations to the extent they are being reimbursed by loans forgiven under the Paycheck Protection Program.