COVID-19 news and information for CPAs

TOPICS

March 27, 2020

Coronavirus paid sick leave and family leave guidance issued

The IRS issues rules to implement paid sick and child care leave credits enacted in response to the pandemic.

March 27, 2020

Optional delay provided in regulatory capital transition to credit losses standard

Three federal bank regulatory agencies issued an interim final rule providing an optional extension of the regulatory capital transition for FASB’s new credit losses standard.

March 27, 2020

CPA Exam emergency testing period invoked

An emergency testing period for the CPA Exam is being invoked as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The 2020 second-quarter testing window is being extended from June 10 to June 30.

March 27, 2020

CARES Act tax provisions aim to stabilize pandemic-ravaged economy

The $2 trillion stimulus bill contains many tax provisions. Here’s a look at the tax items, which range from credits to temporary changes to retirement plan rules.

March 27, 2020

Practitioner Priority Service, other IRS help lines suspended due to coronavirus

The IRS announced that, because of staff shortages, it was closing the Practitioner Priority Service, a special phone line for tax practitioners, as well as the e-Services Help Desk line and the e-Services, FIRE, and AIR system help desks “until further notice.”

March 26, 2020

AICPA requests broader relief for taxpayers

In a letter to Treasury and the IRS, the AICPA requested that recent filing and payment relief related to the COVID-19 pandemic be expanded because the current relief does not cover all tax filings and payments affected by the pandemic.

March 26, 2020

CARES Act would delay compliance with FASB credit loss standard

The federal economic stimulus bill passed by the Senate delays the date by which financial institutions are required to comply with FASB’s new accounting standard for credit losses.

March 26, 2020

GASB considers postponing effective dates

GASB is considering postponing all statement and implementation guide provisions with an effective date that begins on or after reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2018, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

March 26, 2020

How auditors can test inventory without a site visit

Inventory counts for March 31 year-end financial statements are a challenge for auditors during the coronavirus outbreak. But there are a few methods that can provide sufficient appropriate evidence of inventory even when the auditor can’t make a site visit.

March 26, 2020

IRS announces more operational changes related to coronavirus

The IRS announced that, under its People First Initiative, it was taking various actions to alter its activities beyond the tax filing and payment delay announced last week.

FROM THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

New AICPA chair pitches a people-first profession

New AICPA Chair Jan Lewis shares why listening and service are central to her leadership approach. From advocating for small firms to navigating AI and strengthening the talent pipeline, Lewis outlines how she plans to steward a profession built on trust, relevance, and opportunity.