As the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak continues to impact people around the world, we’ve received many questions and concerns about how to navigate these uncertain times as a tax and accounting practice.

To help, we’ve created this resource library that you can use to manage your business and your clients during this time.

*updated as of 7/6/20

Whether you’re a solopreneur tax preparer, an Enrolled Agent with a few employees, a more established CPA firm, or anything in between, CountingWorks PRO will be here to support you as the impacts of this pandemic continue. We are continually monitoring the situation and will update this post as new resources become available, so be sure to bookmark this page and follow us on social media to get all the updates.

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BLOGS

INDUSTRY NEWS

FOR THE TAX INDUSTRY

FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

GOVERNMENT RESOURCES

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PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

RESOURCE DOWNLOADS

• Summary of the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020
• Webinar: Adapting to Client Engagements During the Coronavirus Emergency
  Learn our strategy in helping guide your practice through the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) emergency. We also discuss our coronavirus outbreak update template, to give your clients the information they need to work with you during these uncertain times.

• QuickHits: Setting up an all-digital workflow
• QuickHits: How to set up remote tax and accounting offices in a hurry
• QuickHits: In-person client engagement best practices during COVID-19

• ClientWhys TaxCPE Tax Update & Review Virtual Seminar: Stay on the frontlines of the economic recovery with this 16-hour virtual tax event, taking place in various sessions from November 2, 2020 - January 21, 2021. Included with registration: Q & A monitored by team of tax subject experts and 1,000+ page Big Book of Taxes PDF edition. View the agenda and register here.
• Big Book of Taxes 365: Part quick reference guide, part tax research platform, the Big Book of Taxes 365 was designed for the tax professional on a limited research budget, though powerful enough to add to any tax research library. This 1,100+ page online research tool is also being continually updated with COVID-19 relevant tax information.
• CPE Self-Study: COVID-19 Tax Related Issues - 2 Hours CPE
• CPE Webcast: COVID-19 Tax-Related Issues - 2 Hours CPE

For tax and accounting professionals:

• (NEW) How to Grow Your Tax and Accounting Firm by Focusing on a Niche or Speciality
• (NEW) How Digital-Centric Clients Find and Select a Tax and Accounting Pro
• Confused Clients Need Financial Relief—Help Them Navigate COVID-19 Stimulus With These Tips
• What Tax and Accounting Professionals Have Learned From the COVID-19 Crisis
• Tools to Help with Virtual Client Engagement During COVID-19
• “What to Say When…” COVID-19 Email Templates for Tax and Accounting Pros

For taxpayers, small business owners, and other stakeholders:

• (NEW) Loan Application Period for the Paycheck Protection Program Extended
• (NEW) 7 Tips To Keep Your Business Afloat During Covid-19
• (NEW) IRS Provides Additional 2020 RMD Rollover Relief
• (NEW) Don't Throw Away That Notice 1444
• (NEW) Video: Watch Out: The Treasury is Sending Some Stimulus Payments by Debit Card
• (NEW) The July 15th Deadline Is Fast Approaching, and It Isn’t Just for the 2019 Individual Tax Return
• (NEW) Post-Pandemic Trends Shifting the Economy for Small Businesses Everywhere
• A Novel Way to Make COVID-19 Relief Donations
• The IRS Is Issuing Some Stimulus Payments by Debit Card; Some Are Being Mistaken as Junk Mail and Thrown Out
• Congress Liberalizes PPP Loan Forgiveness
• IRS and Treasury Release the Latest State-By-State Economic Impact Payment Figures 
• Tips to Keep Your Business Afloat During COVID-19
• New $3 Trillion Coronavirus Relief Bill Proposed by House Democrats
• Your PPP Loan Forgiveness Will Probably be Less Than Anticipated
• Unraveling the Economic Impact Payment Confusion
• Delaying Payment of Old Tax Bills Is A Big Mistake
• Video: The Latest on Missing IRS Rebate Checks
• Forced to Return to U.S. From a Foreign Job? IRS Has Provided Time Waivers for Exclusion
• Not All PPP "Forgivable" Loans Will be Forgiving
• IRS Guidance: PPP Loan Expenses Not Tax-Deductible
• Video - What the Employee Retention Credit Means to You
• When Will I Get My Stimulus Check?
• Unemployed by COVID-19? Special Benefits May Apply to You
• Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act: What’s in It?
• Coronavirus-Related Tax Relief for U.S. Families and Individuals
• Retirees that Don’t File a Tax Return and Have Dependent Children May Need to Take Action Before Noon April 22
• Did You Take Your 2020 RMD Too Soon?
• Rebates Are Finally Flowing - Did You Get Yours; Was It Correct?
• Video: Here's How to Get Help From the Government During the COVID-19 Emergency
• Employer Alert: Families First Coronavirus Response Act Provisions are Mandatory
• Businesses Score Big Tax Benefits with the CARES Act
• A Paycheck Protection Loan Might be a Good COVID-19 Emergency Funding Option
• The IRS Provides Online Tools for Recovery Rebates
• IRS Extends Over 300 Tax Filing, Payment and Admin Deadlines
• “Main Street” Loan Program to Support Small to Medium-Sized Businesses
• Track Your Economic Impact Payment in the New IRS Portal
• The IRS Starts Issuing Coronavirus Payments April 9th: When Will You Get Your Funds?
• Employers Can Defer Payroll Taxes
• Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Information Sheet: Borrowers
• Self-Employed Individuals Now Qualify for Unemployment
• Side-By-Side Comparison of the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans
• Tax Credit Pays for Keeping Employees on Payroll
• Self-Employed and Independent Contractors Now Qualify for Unemployment Benefits
• How Can I File for Unemployment in the United States?
• Stimulus Legislation Includes SBA Loan Forgiveness
• Running Low on Money? Congress Has Made it Easier for You to Tap Your Retirement Savings
• Working from Home During the COVID-19 Outbreak? It Probably Won’t Save You Much on Your Taxes
• What Does the $2 Trillion Stimulus Package Mean for You?
• Congress Provides Sick Leave and Child Care Leave Benefits for Employees
• VLOG: IRS Delays Tax Season Filing and Payment Due Dates to July 15
• Q&A: Understanding SBA Disaster Loans and What They Mean for You
• Can't Pay Your Taxes? Payment Due Date Extended Because of COVID-19
• What the April 15 Tax Filing Deadline Extension Means to You
• The SBA Is Providing Small Business Disaster Loans for Relief During the Coronavirus Outbreak
• Tax Filing Deadline Delayed to July 15
• Beware of Scammers During the COVID-19 Crisis
• Coronavirus and Taxes: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Families First Coronavirus Response Act: What Employers Need to Know
• Treasury and IRS Announce 90-Day Delay for Tax Payment Deadline
• Why You Need a Financial Advisor Even More in Uncertain Times

1. COVID-19 Tax-Related White Papers
   With the constant changes in legislation and rules governing our industry, it can be hard to keep up. That’s why the tax experts at TaxCPE & ClientWhys put together 17 free white papers on the most important tax issues during COVID-19.
   • The list also includes helpful worksheets on topics like PPP forgiveness calculations so you can best serve your clients during this time.
2. Email Template: Coronavirus Outbreak Update
   We know every practice is different and is setting up its unique office policies to meet the challenges ahead. To save you time, we have developed a free email message that can be edited and used as a template to establish your policy.
3. Email Templates: “What to say when…” Practice Updates During COVID-19 
   This blog offers five email templates you can directly copy and paste to use for your own client communication during the coronavirus pandemic. Each one covers a common update you may be needing to send your clients regarding changes to your practice during this time.

If you’re a CountingWorks PRO client, our digital offerings will be especially vital for your practice as you aim to use virtual client engagement wherever possible. Not a client yet? Talk to us here. Below are some of the most helpful features and links to training videos for your client portal:

• Client portal
• Secure file sharing
• E-Sign
• KBA compliance
• Tax Organizers & Digital Workflows
• Contact management
• Email messaging communication tools 
• 24/7 support and help center
• Tax & accounting PDF, video and article library
• Expert-written COVID-19 content for your blog

You can also learn more about each of these features more in-depth on our blog.

In order to best serve your tax clients during what must be one of the most unconventional tax seasons in history, make sure you’re staying up to date on the latest info from the IRS and other sources.

1. IRS
   • Get My Payment portal for stimulus payments 
             Note: A Spanish version of Get My Payment is here.
2. IRS Newsroom
   
3. News Releases & Statements:
   • (NEW) July 1, 2020: IRS provides tax relief for the low-income housing credit and bonds for qualified residential rental projects
   • (NEW) July 1, 2020: IRS unclaimed refunds of $1.5 billion waiting for tax year 2016; taxpayers face July 15 deadline
   • (NEW) June 29, 2020: Taxpayers should file by July 15 tax deadline; automatic extension to Oct. 15 available
   • (NEW) June 26, 2020: IRS: July 15 tax payment deadline approaching; plan on scheduling multiple payments now
   • (NEW) June 23, 2020: IRS announces rollover relief for required minimum distributions from retirement accounts that were waived under the CARES Act
   • (NEW) June 19, 2020: Relief for taxpayers affected by COVID-19 who take distributions or loans from retirement plans
   • (NEW) June 17, 2020: IRS outlines changes to health care spending available under CARES Act
   • (NEW) June 16, 2020: IRS alert: Economic Impact Payments belong to recipient, not nursing homes or care facilities
   • (NEW) June 12, 2020: Treasury, IRS provide tax relief to investors and businesses affected by COVID-19 in new markets tax credit transactions
   • (NEW) June 11, 2020: IRS provides guidance on employer leave-based donation programs that aid victims of the COVID-19 pandemic
   • (NEW) June 8, 2020: IRS warns against COVID-19 fraud; other financial schemes
   • June 4, 2020: IRS provides answers about Coronavirus related tax relief for Qualified Opportunity Funds and investors
   • June 4, 2020: Interest rates decrease for the third quarter of 2020
   • June 4, 2020: IRS Chief Counsel goes virtual with national Settlement Days; Helps dozens of taxpayers settle their Tax Court cases 
   •June 3, 2020: 159 million Economic Impact Payments processed; Low-income people and others who aren’t required to file tax returns can quickly register for payment with IRS Non-Filers tool
   • June 3, 2020: IRS provides relief to retirement plan participants to sign elections remotely
   • June 2, 2020: IRS reminder: June 15 tax deadline postponed to July 15 for taxpayers who live and work abroad
   • May 28, 2020: IRS announces Form 1040-X electronic filing options coming this summer; major milestone reached for electronic returns
   • May 27, 2020: Economic Impact Payments being sent by prepaid debit cards, arrive in plain envelope; IRS.gov answers frequently asked questions
   • May 22, 2020: Treasury, IRS release latest state-by-state Economic Impact Payment figures for May 22, 2020
   • May 18, 2020: IRS adds phone operators to answer Economic Impact Payment questions
   • May 15, 2020: IRS expands partner materials for Economic Impact Payments; continues sweeping effort to share details in multiple languages
   • May 12, 2020: IRS provides tax relief through increased flexibility for taxpayers in section 125 cafeteria plans
   • May 11, 2020: Why the Economic Impact Payment amount could be different than anticipated
   • May 8, 2020: Act by Wednesday for chance to get quicker Economic Impact Payment; timeline for payments continues to accelerate
   • May 8, 2020: Treasury, IRS release latest state-by-state Economic Impact Payment figures
   • May 7, 2020: IRS: Three new credits are available to many businesses hit by COVID-19
   • May 5, 2020: IRS retools Settlement Days program in response to COVID-19 pandemic; allows unrepresented taxpayers to settle their cases virtually and reach finality
   • April 28, 2020: Use IRS Non-Filers: Enter Payment Here tool to get Economic Impact Payment; many low-income, homeless qualify
   • April 26, 2020: IRS enhances Get My Payment online application to help taxpayers
   • April 24, 2020: VA, SSI recipients with eligible children need to act by May 5 to quickly add money to their automatic Economic Impact Payment; ‘Plus $500 Push’ continues
   • April 24, 2020: Treasury, IRS deliver 88 million Economic Impact Payments in first three weeks, release state-by-state Economic Impact Payment figures
   • April 21, 2020: Treasury, IRS announce cross-border tax guidance related to travel disruptions arising from the COVID-19 emergency
   • April 20, 2020: SSA, RRB recipients with eligible children need to act by Wednesday to quickly add money to their automatic Economic Impact Payment; IRS asks for help in the "Plus $500 Push"
   • April 17, 2020: Veterans Affairs recipients will receive automatic Economic Impact Payments
   • April 15, 2020: Supplemental Security Income recipients will receive automatic Economic Impact Payments; step follows work between Treasury, IRS, Social Security Administration
   • April 15, 2020: Treasury, IRS unveil online application to help with Economic Impact Payments; Get My Payment allows people to provide direct deposit information and gives payment date
   • April 14, 2020: IRS, Security Summit partners warn tax professionals on scams, urge additional security measures to protect taxpayer data
   • April 13, 2020: REMINDER: Schedule and pay federal taxes electronically due by July 15
   • April 10, 2020: Treasury, IRS launch new tool to help non-filers register for Economic Impact Payments
   • April 9, 2020: IRS urges taxpayers to use electronic options; outlines online assistance
   • April 9, 2020: IRS provides guidance under the CARES Act to taxpayers with net operating losses
   • April 9, 2020: IRS extends more tax deadlines to cover individuals, trusts, estates corporations and others
   • April 3, 2020: Follow IRS on social media, sign up for e-news subscriptions for urgent updates on COVID-19, scams and economic impact payment information
   • April 2, 2020: IRS issues warning about Coronavirus-related scams; watch out for schemes tied to economic impact payments
   • March 31, 2020: Employee Retention Credit available for many businesses financially impacted by COVID-19
   • March 30, 2020: Economic impact payments: What you need to know
   • March 25, 2020: IRS unveils new People First Initiative; COVID-19 effort temporarily adjusts, suspends key compliance program
   • March 24, 2020: IRS Operations During COVID-19: Mission-critical functions continue
   • March 21, 2020: Tax Day now July 15 – Treasury, IRS extend filing deadline and federal tax payments regardless of amount owed
   • March 20, 2020: Treasury, IRS and Labor announce plan to implement Coronavirus-related paid leave for workers and tax credits for small and midsize businesses to swiftly recover the cost of providing Coronavirus-related leave
   • March 20, 2020: The IRS has temporarily closed all Taxpayer Assistance Centers and discontinued face-to-face service throughout the country
   • March 18, 2020: Treasury News Release – Treasury and IRS Issue Guidance on Deferring Tax Payments Due to COVID-19 Outbreak
   • March 11, 2020: High-deductible health plans can cover coronavirus costs
4. Guidance:
   • Notice 2020-32 (PDF), IRS Denies Tax Deductions For Wages, Rent Paid With Forgivable PPP Loans
   • Notice 2020-17 (PDF), Relief for Taxpayers Affected by Ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic
   • Notice 2020-15 (PDF), High deductible health plans and expenses related to COVID-19
   
5. Taxpayer Bill of Rights

• State Tax Filing Guidance for Coronavirus Pandemic

• Tracking State Legislative Responses to COVID-19

Whether you use these resources for your own practice or for your small business clients, make sure you know all the resources and assistance available to help SMBs in this time of economic hardship.

1. U.S. Treasury Department
   • Treasury Assistance for Small Businesses Resource Page
   • Small Business Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
   • Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Information Sheet: Borrowers
   • Final PPP Borrower Application Form 
2. USA Small Business Administration
   • Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease
   • Coronavirus Relief Options   
   • SBA Disaster Assistance for COVID-19
   • Capital Access Resources
   • SBA Local Assistance Directory
   • Disaster Response Jobs at SBA
3. U.S. Chamber of Commerce
   • COVID-19 Small Business Guide
   • Coronavirus response toolkit for small businesses
4. U.S. Federal Reserve
   • COVID-19 Supervisory and Regulatory FAQs
   • Main Street Lending Program for small to medium-sized businesses
5. Department of Labor
   • Coronavirus Resource Center
   • State by state list of workforce agencies
   • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) COVID-19 guidance
6. Resources
   • Stand for Small: COVID-19 Help for Small Businesses
   • Small Business Development Center: COVID-19 Small Business Resources
   • ADP : Good resource for businesses managing absences, paid and unpaid leave
   • Forbes: List Of Coronavirus Small Business Relief Programs (updated continually, state and local included)
   • Support Local (USA Today): Buy gift cards to support local businesses struggling during this time – and encourage others to do the same! 
   • Mazars USA offers Paycheck Protection Program analysis tool for small biz 
7. Financial assistance (Grants, loans, etc):
   • How To Get $1,000 If You Are A Freelancer, Gig Worker, Or Independent Contractor
   • For freelancers: The Freelancers Union has started a Freelancers Relief Fund where you can apply for grants to make up for lost income
   • Faire: Financial planner for retailers – Use this calculator to understand the potential impact of COVID-19 on your business, and see immediate next steps you can take
   • Loom: Free COVID-19 Cash Runway Scenario Planning Tool – Gauge the impact COVID-19 could have on your company
   • Facebook: Small Business Grants Program (offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits)
   • Finder.com: Where to find free or low-interest loans for small businesses affected by the coronavirus
   • Kiva: The crowdsourcing/microfinance company is offering 0% loans up to $15,000 with no payments for six months.
   • GoFundMe has partnered with Yelp to launch the Small Business Relief Initiative, offering grants and resources to small business owners.
8. Articles
   • (NEW) House votes unanimously to extend deadline for coronavirus small-business loan program
   • (NEW) SBA Finally Clarifies PPP Loan Forgiveness Rules: Full Forgiveness For Self-Employed Borrowers
   • Good news for small businesses as Congress passes PPP reform bill
   • Treasury, SBA post rules for PPP loan forgiveness
   • IRS: Companies who receive PPP loans will not qualify for tax deductions
   • Trump signs $484 billion coronavirus relief package
   • 7 ways of doing business by Zoom that are here to stay
   • 11 surprising industries the coronavirus downturn is affecting
   • "Main Street" Loan Program to Support SMBs During COVID-19
   • Are You Compliant with COVID-19 Leave Laws?
   • How to Update Your Business Hours on Google, Facebook, and Yelp
   • Zoom: Five Tips for Successfully Managing Your Remote Team
   • Social Distancing: A Work From Home Survival Guide
   • 35 questions for coronavirus planning at your business
   • Is a Remote Work Option Right for Your Business?
   • 7 Things to Do When Creating an Emergency Work-From-Home Policy for COVID-19
   • How to Manage Small Business Coronavirus Concerns When Employees Can't Work From Home
   • 8 Things Your Small Business Needs to Do Immediately During COVID-19

Keep checking these pages for the latest news and guidelines straight from the source – government and public health officials.

1. Centers For Disease Control
   • Coronavirus Resources Page
   • About Coronavirus Disease
   • Situation Summary
   • Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
2. Coronavirus.gov
   • Resources for small business owners
   • Resources for businesses
   • Resources for households
3. World Health Organization Coronavirus Information Page
4. Department of Homeland Security Pandemic Guide
5. U.S. State Department
   • Travel Advisories
   • Current Outbreak Updates
6. USA.gov
   • Total Government Response to Coronavirus
   • Total Government Response to Coronavirus (Spanish)
   • Government Response by State

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The latest updates about key events, sites, and more from around the tax and accounting industry.

• (NEW) IRS is not extending tax deadline: 2019 returns must be filed by July 15
• (NEW) IRS to pay interest on refunds issued after April 15
• (NEW) As IRS Employees Return To Work, Here’s An Updated Look At What To Expect
• (NEW) AICPA issues guidance on accounting for forgivable PPP loans
• (NEW) What’s Open (And What’s Not) As The IRS Resumes Operations
• (NEW) AICPA issues guidance on accounting for forgivable PPP loans
• AICPA launches new CPA Exam scholarship
• IRS permits remote signatures for plan loan consents
• Lawsuit seeks PPP agent fees for accountants
• NASBA proposes changes in CPA requirements
• IRS Tax Forums to go virtual this year
• IRS plans to bring some employees back to their offices in June
• Financial Advisors Wonder When And How To Return To The Office
• IRS postpones Enrolled Agent exams due to coronavirus
• Coronavirus And The State Tax Implications
• Thousands of IRS employees offer to go back to work after agency offers incentive pay amid backlog
• The Tax-Break Bonanza Inside the Economic Rescue Package
• Taxpayer Advocate Announces New Tool To Assist With Claiming Stimulus Checks
• Trump signs $484 billion coronavirus relief package
• House Passes Relief for Small Businesses and Aid for Hospitals and Testing
• Senate strikes deal on $484 billion relief package for small business, hospitals, testing
• Small Business Relief Funding Runs Dry... Will More Come Soon?
• The IRS launched its ‘Get My Payment’ portal for tracking your stimulus check status
• IRS Announces New July 15 Tax Deadline For Expats, Trusts, Estates And Corporations, Includes June 15 Estimated Payments Fix
• IRS Not Processing Paper Returns, Urges Electronic Filing
• Track Your Economic Impact Payment in the New IRS Portal
• IRS temporarily shutters its last service center
• Tax Foundation: FAQ on Federal Coronavirus Relief Law (CARES Act)
• IRS warns of coronavirus-related tax scams
• FASB mulls pushing back accounting standards deadlines in response to coronavirus
• IRS employees ordered to work from home to avoid coronavirus
• Continuous Testing for U.S. CPA Exam candidates to begin July 1
• Cybersecurity in the Time of COVID-19: Keys to Embracing (and Securing) a Remote Workforce
• 5 Steps Firms Can Take to Secure Data More During COVID-19
• House passes historic $2 trillion stimulus despite objections from GOP lawmaker
• The New York Times: F.A.Q. on Stimulus Checks, Unemployment and the Coronavirus Bill
• Accounting Conferences Impacted by Coronavirus (Postponed or Rescheduled)
• Conditional coronavirus relief provided by SEC
  Public companies that encounter challenges meeting SEC filing deadlines because of the coronavirus may qualify for regulatory relief under certain conditions
• Tax Foundation: Analysis of the latest tax policy developments during coronavirus

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