COVID-19 news and information for CPAs

TOPICS

April 21, 2021

Can accounting firms mandate vaccines?

There are many legal and human resources considerations firms must weigh before crafting a vaccine policy for their staff.

April 20, 2021

IRS extends e-signature authorization for 6 months

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the IRS issued guidance extending the temporary authorization to issue a number of IRS forms using electronic signatures from June 30, 2021, through Dec. 31, 2021.

April 19, 2021

Restaurant Revitalization Fund details come into focus

The Restaurant Revitalization Fund aid program’s application portal will be tested in a seven-day pilot ahead of the application’s launch. The SBA revealed key details for the program, including funding calculations.

April 19, 2021

Tips for for-profits applying NFP accounting rules for PPP funds

For-profit entities are permitted to use the not-for-profit conditional contribution accounting model to account for Paycheck Protection Program loans. The accounting requires reasoned judgment, careful evaluation of barriers and thorough documentation.

April 19, 2021

SBA aims to reopen Shuttered Venue Operators Grant portal this week

The SBA has targeted the end of this week for reopening the application portal for the $16.25 billion Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program. Technical problems forced the SBA to close the portal for repairs only hours after it opened on April 8.

April 14, 2021

IRS extends penalty relief for pandemic payroll credits

The IRS provided for penalty relief under Sec. 6656 for an employer’s failure to timely deposit certain employment taxes with the IRS to allow employers to immediately take advantage of various credits enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

April 12, 2021

6 proactive steps accountants can take to get promoted in 2021

Individuals who are proactive about their professional development and excel at communication and other soft skills have the best chance of promotion in a remote-working environment.

April 12, 2021

How the 2021 busy season is different

Some accounting firms prepared for the 2021 busy season by staffing up and offering more flexible work options for employees dealing with family issues during the pandemic.

April 9, 2021

How hiring practices have shifted as a result of the pandemic

Companies should consider benefits and challenges of hiring workers outside their geographic area.

April 8, 2021

AICPA recommendations on Q1 estimates and 2020 Form 709 extensions

The AICPA has released some recommendations for practitioners concerning various issues that have arisen due to the postponement of the April 15 tax deadline for individuals.

FROM THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

Build reusable Skills in Anthropic’s Claude AI

Instead of rewriting prompts each time, CPAs can turn routine tasks into reusable AI Skills. This Technology Q&A walks through how to build Claude Skills that process files, ask setup questions, and export clean Excel outputs.