Federal and State Agency Updates Regarding Coronavirus


As a CalCPA member, we recognize the tremendous importance to consistently provide you with any information or resources related to new and changing rules and regulations. This has never been more true than today, and we will continue to work tirelessly on this effort.

We encourage you to renew your membership today and continue to monitor this resource and CalCPA communications for the most up-to-date information.

As guidance, regulations and the business landscape changes almost daily in response to COVID-19 changes daily, our learning team is partnering with experts to bring you the information you need to help guide your firm and your clients. Check out our webcast offerings.



FEDERAL UPDATES | CALIFORNIA UPDATES | LICENSURE UPDATES | LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

IRS:

Highlights of American Rescue Plan Act (March 10, 2021) | President Biden Sign American Rescue Plan Act (March 11, 2021)

AICPA Tax Filing FAQs

CARES Act FAQ (Tax Foundation)

SEC

  • SEC updates staff guidance on shareholder meetings in light of COVID-19: The updates guidance addresses four main issues: Companies and other issues considering changes in the date, time, or location of their annual or special shareholder meetings due to difficulties related to COVID-19; virtual shareholder meetings; presentation of shareholder proposals; and delays in printing and mailing of full set of proxy materials. 
  • SEC Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response: Updates and related effects on the securities market include providing targeted regulatory relief and guidance for to issuers, exchanges and other registrants impacted by COVID-19.
SBA: SBA Paycheck Protection Program Resources for CPAs (AICPA)
U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Memo on Single Audits: The AICPA Governmental Audit Quality Center issued an alert on guidance from the OMB and the Department of Education related to single audits of entities that receive Federal financial assistance to address COVID-19.
DHS Announces Flexibility in Requirements Related to Form I-9 Compliance (Dept. of Homeland Security)

CALIFORNIA UPDATES

FTB Update: For paper returns and other documents that must be signed with an original signature by the taxpayer and/or their tax representative, the FTB will not require an original signature through Dec. 31, 2021, except for Power of Attorneys. (May 25)

From the FTB: Statute of limitations, postponements and COVID-19—The FTB has extended the e-signature option for statute of limitation waivers through June 30, 2021. (Dec. 14)

Gov. Newsom Announces Assistance for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19, Including Temporary Tax Relief and $500 Million in Grants (Nov. 30)

Governor Releases Updated Industry Guidance | California Resilience Roadmap

Governor Taps California Business, Labor, Health Care and Community Leaders for New Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery

Gov. Newsom Signs Executive Order Providing Relief to California Small Businesses: Order also provides 90-day extension in state and local taxes, including sales tax, and extends licensing deadlines and requirements for a number of Department of Consumer Affairs boards, including the CBA.

  • Read the order (Note No. 12 related to Department of Consumer Affairs)

Additional assistance available for California small businesses and workers impacted by the crisis:

CPA Services Designated as Essential

EDD: Employers statewide directly affected by COVID-19 may request up to a 60-day extension of time from the EDD to file their state payroll reports and/or deposit payroll taxes without penalty or interest. This extension may be granted under Section 1111.5 of the California Unemployment Insurance Code (CUIC). A written request for extension must be received within 60 days from the original delinquent date of the payment or return. Read more.

California Department of Labor Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response

BOE: As directed in Section 6 of Executive Order N-25-20, is developing guidance and will be releasing it soon.

LICENSURE UPDATES

CBA: CONTINUING EDUCATION EXTENSION (April 14, 2021)
On March 30, 2021, the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) issued a new continuing education (CE) extension waiver for licenses that expire between March 31, 2020, and May 31, 2021. Licensees have until Sept. 30, 2021, to satisfy any waived CE requirements, unless the waiver is further extended.
 
The March 30, 2021, order rescinds the DCA’s previous three CE extension waivers issued in October 2020, December 2020 and February 2021. Licensees must still comply with other renewal requirements, including completing and submitting required renewal forms and paying renewal fees by their respective due dates.
 
Licensees impacted by the CE extension must comply with the 80 hour CE requirement in their next renewal cycle with the exception of the first year 20 hour requirement. Licensees may use CE credits earned during the waiver extension period to satisfy their current or next renewal cycles provided that the same CE credits are not used to satisfy both renewal cycles. 

Continue monitoring the CBA’s website for developments and contact the CBA directly with any requests for accommodation. 

License Renewals

  • For license renewal requirements, the CBA is advising licensees to pay renewal fees online and submit their renewal application, continuing education documentation and most forms via email to RenewalApp@cba.ca.gov. 
  • The CBA has created an FAQ for licensees with COVID-19 related renewal issues. 
  • If you are unable to submit online and need to mail an application or payment, you will need to send them to this temporary address: Department of Consumer Affairs; Attention: California Board of Accountancy; 1625 N. Market Blvd., Suite N-117; Sacramento, CA 95834

Uniform CPA Exam and Initial Licensure

  • Candidates can submit any document to the CBA electronically by emailing the appropriate CBA unit, except for transcripts, foreign credential evaluations and applications for initial CPA licensure.
  • If a candidate needs to request an extension related to Uniform CPA Exam scheduling, examination or initial licensure related extensions, they can submit a request via email to Examinfo@cba.ca.gov for exams and to licensinginfo@cba.ca.gov for initial licensure. 
Testing Site Information
Additionally, NASBA, AICPA, Prometric and state boards of accountancy have been closely monitoring the COVID-19 crisis and are working to accommodate impacted candidates. 

Updates from Prometric about testing sites being opened up can be found online. Prometric expects to open some testing sites for certain exams on May 1. This includes the Uniform CPA Exam and California sites.

NASBA has also provided guidance on the various testing related impacts of COVID-19:

Stay up to date on COVID-19 news and information at CalCPA's COVID-19 resource center.