On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus a global health emergency.

Concern for member health and safety, airline restrictions, and travel warnings are affecting global business operations and conferences. These resources are compiled here to help you stay informed on this rapidly evolving situation.

“Favorite” this page for latest information and resources.
 

 

Breaking News
  • 9/25/20 Press Release: Governor DeSantis Supports Liability Protections for COVID-19 (Read More)
  • CPE For Florida CPAs: The Florida Board of Accountancy approved emergency rule 61H1ER20-5 at its meeting on May 15, 2020 waiting the additional CPE hours required when a current active CPA uses the automatic extension process. This effectively moved the June 30, 2020 deadline for completing CPE requirements to December 31, 2020 with no additional hours required. A copy of 61H1-33.003 F.A.C. including the additional portion underlined text HERE. Visit DBPR Website for full information.
  • IRS CLOSES SERVICES: The IRS announced March 26 that due to staff limitations, its PPS line, e-services Help Desk line and the e-Services FIRE and AIR System help desks are closed until further notice. The Florida field office recommends making IRS.gov the first choice for questions and answers.

    The IRS is also temporarily suspending acceptance of new Income Verification Express Services (IVES) requests. “We are experiencing delays with existing IVES processing as well as CAF number authorizations. Practitioners with existing e-Services accounts and with client authorization can access the Transcript Delivery System to obtain prior-year transcripts.” advised IRS Senior Stakeholder Liaison Karen Russell. “Taxpayers should use Where’s My Refund? and Get Transcript, both common requests. Additionally, we are unable to answer any questions as yet on stimulus payments. Normal operations will resume as soon as possible.” Please check IRS.gov for updates."

 

COVID-19 Resources By Topic

IRS GUIDANCE (COVID-19):

  • IRS Guidance: Income Tax Withholding on Certain Periodic Retirement & Annuity Payments IR 2020-104
  • IRS Guidance: Final Regulations Providing Relief for Certain Tax-Exempt Orgs. IR 2020-103
  • IRS Guidance: Increased Flexibility for Taxpayers in section 125 cafeteria plans IR 2020-95
  • IRS Guidance: Three new credits available to many businesses hit by COVID-19 IR 2020-89
  • IRS Guidance: Fed Income Tax Deductibility of certain otherwise deductible expenses when tax payer received PPP loan. Notice 2020-32
  • IRS FAQ: COVID-19 Temporary procedures for digital transmission of Forms 1139 & 1045 (Quick Refunds of Credit for Prior Year Minimum Tax Liability of Corpos & NOL Deductions. FAQ
  • IRS FAQ: COVID-19 Economic Impact Payment Information Center / FAQs
  • IRS FAQ: COVID-19 Tax Credits for Required Paid Leave Provided by Small & Midsize Businesses FAQs 
  • IRS Guidance: Allows electronic submission/acceptance for requests for private letter rulings, other legal advice, required document signatures and acceptance of paper submissions. RP 2020-29
  • IRS Guidance: Gross income exclusion qualifications under IRS section 911 update RP 2020-27
  • IRS Guidance: Updating U.S. tax residency and tax treaty benefits for income from personal services performed in the U.S. RP 2020-20
  • IRS Guidance: CARES Act Procedural Guidance to taxpayers with NOLs  RP 2020-24
  • IRS Guidance: Time Extension to File Application for Tentative Carryback Adjustment  Notice 2020-26
  • IRS Guidance: Additional Relief, Key Deadline Extensions for Taxpayers Notice 2020-23
  • IRS FAQ: Installment Agreement Direct Debit Frequently Asked Questions
  • IRS Guidance: Relief from Penalty for Failure to Deposit Employment Taxes Notice 2020-22 
  • IRS Guidance: Effective Date for Employment Tax Credits Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act Notice 2020-21
  • Joint Committee on Taxation: Families First Coronavirus Response Act Technical Explanation (H.R. 6201) [JCX-10-20]
  • IRS Guidance: Update to Notice 2020-18, Relief for Taxpayers Affected by Ongoing COVID-19, Related to Gift and Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Filing and Payment Deadlines Notice 2020-20
  • IRS Guidance: Relief for Taxpayers Affected by Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, Related to Gift and Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Filing and Payment Deadlines Notice 2020-18
  • IRS Q&A: Filing and Payment Deadlines Questions and Answers in Re: Notice 2020-18
  • IRS Guidance: Relief for Taxpayers Affected by Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic Notice 2020-18 
  • IRS Guidance: Relief for Taxpayers Affected by Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic Notice 2020-17
  • IRS Guidance: Notice: High Deductible Health Plans and Expenses Related to COVID-19 Notice 2020-15

IRS News & Statements (COVID-19)

FICPA Advocacy and Tax Relief Activities

The Governmental Affairs Department remain vigilant in our advocacy efforts during the COVID-19 crisis. To date, we have requested the following COVIC-19 relief on behalf of our members, the profession and Florida Taxpayers.

 Below find State of Florida and Federal Relief Updates and Technical Guidance Resources (PPP, then State followed by Federal resources).

CPA Guide to SBA PPP

Visit our new web page for what you need to know about the evolving and complex Paycheck Protection Program. Find technical guidance, loan application and calculators, Lender letter templates and more HERE.

Federal Regulatory Links & Updates

US Whitehouse: Guidelines for Opening Up America Again, three-phased approach

IRS Links & Updates comprehensive list HERE

 

State of Florida Tax Relief Update


The Florida Board of Accountancy approved emergency rule 61H1ER20-5 at its meeting on May 15, 2020 waiting the additional CPE hours required when a current active CPA uses the automatic extension process. This effectively moved the June 30, 2020 deadline for completing CPE requirements to December 31, 2020 with no additional hours required. A copy of 61H1-33.003 F.A.C. including the additional portion underlined text HERE. Visit DBPR Website for full information.

The FICPA is having ongoing communications with the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) as the Department is addressing taxpayer and practitioner concerns. Check this space for further Florida updates as they are available. Here’s the latest: 

On April 27, DOR Executive Director Dr. Jim Zingale signed Order of Emergency Waiver/Deviation #20-52-DOR-003 (Corporate Income Tax).The order waives certain statutory requirements for Florida corporate income/franchise tax RETURNS and Payments as follows:

For Entities w/FY Ending: 

FLA corporate income/Franchise Tax RETURNS due date extension

FLA corporate income/franchise tax PAYMENTS filing request extension

Deadline to submit request for extension to file the return and to make tentative payment

12.31.2019

From 5.1.2020 to 8.3.2020

From 5.1.2020 to 6.1.2020

Extended to 6.1.2020

01.31.2020

From 6.1.2020 to 8.3.2020

-No change- 6.1.2020

-No Change- 6.1.2020

02.29.2020

From 7.1.2020 to 8.3.2020

-No Change- 7.1.2020

-No Change- 7.1.2020

See 20-52-DOR-003 for full information.

MARCH 26, Dr. Jim Zingale, DOR executive director signed an Order of Emergency extending remittance deadlines and waiving penalties and accrual of interest for reporting or payment of sales and use and other taxes collected in the February or March 2020 reporting periods. See 20-52-DOR-002.

MARCH 26: Zingale also signed Emergency Order 20-52-DOR-001 extending the Florida property tax payment due date from March 31 to April 15, 2020. The March 26 order applies to citizens and business owners in all Florida counties. See 20-52-DOR-001.

The DOR website says it is monitoring developments pertaining to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and is following guidance from federal and state officials, “…The Department has established a dedicated team to address tax-related issues pertaining to COVID-19 and has created an email address COVID19TAXHELP@FloridaRevenue.com, where you can share your questions and concerns.

 

State Regulatory Links & Updates

  • FLA Governor: Executive Order | Phase 2 Florida Recovery Plan EO 20-139 
  • FLA Governor: Executive Order | Extending Mortgage Foreclosure & Eviction Relief EO 20-94 
  • FLA Governor: Executive Order | Phase 1: Expanding Full Phase i EO 20-131 
  • FLA Governor: Executive Order | Phase 1: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for FLA Recovery EO 20-112
  • FLA Governor: Executive Order | Essential Services & Activities & Vacation Rental Prohibitions EO 20-111 
  • FLA Governor: Executive Order | Doc Stamps for SBA Loans EO 20-95
  • FLA Governor: Executive Order | Mortgage Foreclosure & Eviction Relief EO 20-94
  • FLA Governor: Executive Order | Amending Essential Svcs & Activities EO 20-92
  • FLA Governor: Executive Order 20-91 Essential Svcs & Activities FAQ
  • FLA Governor: Executive Order | Essential Services & Activities EO 20-91
  • DOR Emergency Order: Emergency Waiver/Deviation (Sales and Use Tax and Related Taxes) #20-52-DOR-002
  • DOR Emergency Order: Waiver/Deviation (Property Tax Oversight) #20-52-DOR-001
  • DBPR: Emergency Order | Professional Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education March Deadline Extensions EO 2020-10
  • FLA GOVERNOR: Executive Order | Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Local Government Public Meetings EO 20-69
  • DOR: https://floridarevenue.com/pages/default.aspx
  • DBPR
  • DBPR Reaffirms FL CPA CPE Completion Deadline of June 30 for licensees whose license expires 12/31. 
  • DBPR Emergency Order: Relating to certain conditions of emergency powers of association boards ( condos, co-ops, HOAs) and suspends and tolls the timing requirements pertaining to preparation, submittal or filing of certain financial reports and statements of same.  #EO 2020-04

 

The safety and well-being of all our members, staff and vendors is of upmost importance, especially during the rapidly changing situation related to the spread of COVID-19. In response, the FICPA is moving many live CPE events online, canceling in-person chapter meetings and making daily decisions about other events. View list of events being rescheduled, postponed or canceled HERE.

Thank you for your understanding as we continually are monitoring and following CDC guidelines regarding large events and mass gatherings. 
 

CPE 

Many of our upcoming in-person conferences and content is going virtual, due to popular demand. Some CPE events will be rescheduled. If you are registered for an event that is affected, an FICPA team member will be contacting you to share options. Please note: We are here to meet your needs! All cancellation and late fees are waived until further notice.

The FICPA has a vast library of online CPE offerings. Visit our online library HERE.  
View latest status of FICPA conferences HERE.

  

COVID-19 Webinars 

Recordings of Recent COVID-19 Webinars for CPAs*

* Disclaimer: These complimentary webinar recordings are provided strictly for informational purposes only.  Caution should be exercised as the information may or may not still be accurate and relevant. No CPE credit is available for viewing them.

 

 


The Member FAQs

 

CPE

Q:  I’m registered for upcoming in-person CPE event, how do I know if it has been affected?
A: The FICPA is following CDC guidelines, including those for in-person gatherings. We are working diligently with speakers to transition select in-person events to a virtual online platform. Some CPE events will be rescheduled. If you are registered for an event that is affected, an FICPA team member will be contacting you to share options. Please note: We are here to meet your needs! All cancellation and late fees are waived until further notice. 

Q: Will CPE reporting period be extended?
A: The Florida Board of Accountancy approved emergency rule 61H1ER20-5 at its meeting on May 15, 2020 waiting the additional CPE hours required when a current active CPA uses the automatic extension process. This effectively moved the June 30, 2020 deadline for completing CPE requirements to December 31, 2020 with no additional hours required. A copy of 61H1-33.003 F.A.C. including the additional portion underlined text HERE. Visit DBPR Website for full information.

 

IRS | DOR | BOA | Licensing

Q:  How have IRS operations been affected?
A:  The IRS announced March 26 that due to staff limitations, its PPS line, e-services Help Desk line and the e-Services FIRE and AIR System help desks are closed until further notice. The Florida field office recommends making IRS.gov the first choice for questions and answers.

The IRS is also temporarily suspending acceptance of new Income Verification Express Services (IVES) requests. “We are experiencing delays with existing IVES processing as well as CAF number authorizations. Practitioners with existing e-Services accounts and with client authorization can access the Transcript Delivery System to obtain prior-year transcripts.” advised IRS Senior Stakeholder Liaison Karen Russell. “Taxpayers should use Where’s My Refund? and Get Transcript, both common requests. Additionally, we are unable to answer any questions as yet on stimulus payments. Normal operations will resume as soon as possible.” Please check IRS.gov for updates,”

 

Q:  Have or will the IRS grant federal income tax extensions?
A:  U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced today (March 30) that Tax Day is being extended from April 15 to July 15. The IRS released technical guidance Notice 2020-18, Relief for Taxpayers Affected by Ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic and a related Filing and Payment Deadlines Q&A. Refer to the ADVOCACY AND TAX RELIEF section of our Coronavirus Resource Center for updates.
 

Q:  Will there be tax relief from State of Florida/DOR?
A: The FICPA is having ongoing communications with the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) as the Department is addressing taxpayer and practitioner concerns. A number of filing extensions and other relief measures have been issued by DOR Executive Director Dr. Jim Zingale. Refer to the ADVOCACY AND TAX RELIEF section of our Coronavirus Resource Center for updates.  


Q:  What changes, if any, are in the works that could affect my CPA license?
A:  We are in regular contact with the Board of Accountancy (BOA). At this time the Board has not announced any changes specific to CPA licensing or renewal processes. On March 16, the DBPR issued Emergency Order [EO 2020-10] providing professional licensing renewal and continuing education extensions for those with March or April deadlines. We will keep all FICPA members appraised of all future developments. Refer to the ADVOCACY AND TAX RELIEF section of our Coronavirus Resource Center for updates.

 

CPA Candidate/Exam

 

Q: When will the CPA Exam testing facilities (Prometric) re-open?
A: On April 30, NASBA announced that Prometric is opening their test centers on an individual site basis. “First and foremost, Prometric is adhering to regional guidelines and restrictions. If local government determines it is safe to re-open their site(s) in that area, Prometric will then begin the preparation process. They will ensure their staff are healthy, equipped with all necessary materials to re-open, and trained on their new social distancing practices. A site will be opened only if it meets all of the requirements outlined above. Read entire Exam Testing FAQs. 

Q: In light of CPA Exam testing facility shutdowns, will the 18-month requirement for passing all four parts of the exam be extended?
A:   NASBA will extend all NTSs expiring between April 1 – June 30-2020 until September 30,2020, and Prometric will waive all rescheduling fees. Read More.
In anticipation of the reopening of Prometric test centers and in response to the COVID-19 situation, NASBA, AICPA and Prometric have made the decision to invoke an emergency testing period. Read More.

In late March, NASBA posted the following announcement on its website: “In response to numerous candidate requests, we are pleased to announce Continuous Testing for PA Exam candidates will begin July 1, 2020. Under the new Continuous Testing model, candidates will have the ability to take the Exam year-round, without restriction, other than waiting to receive scores from prior attempts of the same section or when there is a major change to the Exam. For more information, the best way to reach them is via email at cpaexam@nasba.org

FICPA Chapters & Events

Q:  Is FICPA still holding in-person Chapter Meetings? 
A:  No, in-person chapter meetings have been suspended at this time in accordance with CDC guidelines to cancel large gatherings. FICPA members will be notified when local chapter meetings resume. Refer to the IMPACT OF CORONAVIRUS ON SCHEDULED FICPA PROGRAMS section of our Coronavirus Resource Center for updates.

Q:   Are any upcoming FICPA event schedules being affected by COVID-19 Crisis? 
A:   Yes. To ensure safety of our participants and staff, and in accordance with CDC and other regulatory guidelines, these upcoming FICPA events are being modified, rescheduled, cancelled, or postponed. Updates will be posted here periodically:  

  • TBD

Note: We are offering many services, events and CPE virtually. Check our website for all the ways we are serving you. Thank you for your understanding and patience. Refer to the IMPACT OF CORONAVIRUS ON SCHEDULED FICPA PROGRAMS section of our Coronavirus Resource Center for updates.

 

 Have a question? Our member service team is waiting to serve you. Chat (chat box bottom right corner)  |  email  | call 850-224-2727  | or contact us.

 

The FICPA has a vast library of online CPE offerings.

As a member, you can always rely on your 30 hours of complimentary CPE every membership year.

  ​


Headlines:

Florida Agencies & State Expertise

Federal Agencies & National Expertise

Business Continuity Knowledge for Employers