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

PPP, ERC can lead to sustained business for CPA firms

Firms can turn the connections built doing work related to COVID-19 programs into long-term business opportunities.

SBA details process to appeal partial PPP loan forgiveness decisions

A recent notice from the US SBA outlines a new process for PPP borrowers to appeal partial loan forgiveness decisions made by their lender.

Audit quality stable amid pandemic, audit committee members say

Despite pandemic-related concerns about the ability of auditors to work effectively, 98% of audit committee members said in a new survey that audit quality either increased or stayed the same over the past year.

Treasury rule provides flexibility for state and local government pandemic aid

State and local governments will have increased flexibility to pursue a wider range of uses under the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program.

Single audit clarity provided related to pandemic relief programs

An addendum to the Office of Management and Budget Compliance Supplement that was issued in December provides clarity on single audit requirements related to two key federal pandemic relief programs.

Early sunset of the employee retention credit gets penalty relief

The IRS describes how employers may avoid failure-to-pay and failure-to-deposit penalties for ERC claimed or anticipated in the fourth quarter but eliminated by the Infrastructure Act.

SBA clarifies COVID-19 EIDL application deadlines

The US SBA provided updated guidance Friday on various COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan program application deadlines.

Further guidance issued on tax treatment of PPP loan forgiveness

Forgiveness amounts are excluded from gross income but included in gross receipts for purposes including determining “small business taxpayer” status under Sec. 448(c).

Rethinking real estate: The benefits of workforce segmentation

Balancing business goals with employee experience can provide the best path forward as hybrid working becomes commonplace.

Companies embrace unusual new strategies to survive a labor crunch

With millions of jobs vacant, company leaders are being tested. Here are some ways smaller businesses are coping with multiple openings and trying to recruit new talent.