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:

April 23: Congress has passed the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (HR 266), which provides $484 billion in additional funding for small-business loans, health care providers and COVID-19 testing: Specifically, $320 billion through the Paycheck Protection Program created under the CARES Act, $50 billion for Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, $10 billion for Emergency EIDL grants, $75 billion for hospitals and $25 billion to support testing.

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.
Families First Act Guidance (U.S. Dept. of Labor) | Families First Q&A (U.S. Dept. of Labor)  

SBA: The U.S. Small Business Administration opened up federal disaster loans for businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters in response to California's declaration of emergency. Small businesses can apply now through Dec. 16, 2020, for assistance.

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

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

State Postpones Deadlines for Filing Tax Protests, Appeals and Refund Claims Due to COVID-19 (FTB): California taxpayers have until July 15 to complete certain time sensitive acts pertaining to state taxes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including claims for refunds with FTB, protests of proposed tax assessments with FTB and appeals to the Office of Tax Appeals of Notices of Action denying claims for refund or affirming tax assessments.

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.

CDTFA: During the 60-day window specified in the governor’s Executive Order N-25-20, the CDTFA has been able to make it easier for taxpayers to request relief. They can go through the normal online process, send a letter or contact the CDTFA call center at 1-800-400-7115.

LICENSURE UPDATES

Department of Consumer Affairs: Order Waiving License Renewal Requirements (May 4, 2020)

CBA: While the CBA offices are temporarily closed, CBA staff continue to work remotely and make every effort to continue core licensing and oversight functions. The CBA has indicated it will be as flexible as possible when working to accommodate requests for extensions of certain exam, license or renewal related requirements. We encourage all impacted members to review important licensure information on the CBA’s website and contact the CBA directly with any requests for accommodation. 

CalCPA is also urging patience when working with the CBA. While it will make every effort to minimize disruptions, delays to internal processes and work flows may be unavoidable.

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
  • Related to continuing education requirements, Gov. Newsom signed Executive Order N-40-20, which among other things, waives deadlines for satisfying continuing education requirements for 60 days. This temporary waiver allows licensees additional time to meet their continuing education requirements. However, it does not relieve licensees from timely complying with any other renewal requirements, including completing and submitting the required renewal forms and fees. If a licensee does need to request an extension for other license renewal-related requirements, including continuing education beyond the 60 days, peer review or other requirements, they can submit a request via email to Renewalinfo@cba.ca.gov and the CBA will review them on a case-by-case basis.

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.