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

Prometric closes CPA Exam test centers for 30 days

Prometric’s CPA Exam test centers are closing for 30 days in the US and Canada to protect the health of test takers and staff during the coronavirus outbreak.

In focus: Map of coronavirus cases in the U.S.

The COVID-19 outbreak that began in China has now spread globally. Here’s a view of reported cases in the U.S.

Treasury secretary announces 90-day delay in tax payment deadline

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced that individuals and businesses can delay their tax payments for 90 days due to the coronavirus pandemic.

How the coronavirus may affect financial reporting and auditing

The coronavirus pandemic looks likely to create major challenges for the preparation of financial statements, both for the current quarter and also for annual financial reports and audits over the next year.

What to do if staff can’t make it to the office

As the coronavirus pandemic leads to staff scattering, here is expert advice on what firms can do to make remote working work.
Nurse Becky Barton walks out of a tent with a test kit at a drive-through testing for coronavirus, flu and RSV, currently by appointment for employees at UW Medical Center Northwest in Seattle.

High-deductible health plans can cover coronavirus testing, treatment

To facilitate the nation’s response to COVID-19, the IRS issued guidance permitting high-deductible health plans to cover costs for testing and treating the virus without satisfying a deductible requirement.
Calming clients’ fears during the coronavirus outbreak

Calming clients’ fears during the coronavirus outbreak

How can CPAs deal with client anxieties during a time of uncertainty? The best steps include preparing them for unexpected events before they happen and acknowledging their concerns.
35 questions for coronavirus planning

35 questions for coronavirus planning

Business leaders should be proactive in putting emergency plans in place in response to the spread of coronavirus. Here’s a checklist for organizations related to employees, customers, and vendors.
Coronavirus looms over positive economic outlook

Coronavirus looms over positive economic outlook

Projections for the next 12 months are generally positive, but concerns about the effect of the virus diminished that enthusiasm, according to a quarterly survey.

Conditional coronavirus relief provided by SEC

The SEC said public companies that have trouble meeting filing obligations because of the coronavirus outbreak may qualify for regulatory relief under certain conditions.