This week's legislative news
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COVID-19 MSCPA Legislative Brief
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The MSCPA Legislative Brief offers you information and resources available through federal and state governments regarding business loan programs, Department of Labor (DOL) and Department of Health (DOH) updates, and news as it relates to the impacts of COVID-19 on our profession, the economy and our Society. For more information, visit the MSCPA's Coronavirus Resource Center.

We're working to keep you informed in a world that changes by the minute. If you have anything you'd like to share, or if we can help you in any way, please reach out to Zach Donah at zdonah@mscpaonline.org or 617.303.2411, or Larry Liuzzo at lliuzzo@mscpaonline.org or 617.303.2405.

Deadline Extended for License Renewals, CPE Requirements and Firm Affidavits
The Board of Public Accountancy voted last week to extend the June 30 deadline for even-year license renewals and CPE requirements to September 30 and to extend the firm affidavit deadline to November 2.

According to the official release, "before renewing online, individual licensees must have completed the required 80 hours of continuing professional education (CPE), including at least four hours in ethics, from July 1, 2018 through September 30, 2020, or the license will expire."

We are grateful to the Board members and the Division of Professional Licensure staff for their efforts and for working with us to provide this needed relief to our members during this time. 

To read the official notice from the Board of Public Accountancy, click here
Reopening Massachusetts
Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito released their plan to reopen the Massachusetts economy in four phases and by requiring businesses to adhere to strict reopening health and safety guidelines. The first phase began May 18 and includes the construction and manufacturing industries as well as places of worship and outdoor recreation areas. The second phase aims to begin on May 25, which includes office spaces outside of Boston, hair salons and barbershops, car washes and other businesses.

Reopening: General Business Guidance

Reopening: When Can My Business Reopen?

Reopening Massachusetts May 18 Presentation
MSCPA Payroll Protection Program Webinar (5/21)
With the constantly changing information concerning the COVID-19 global pandemic, businesses are navigating in uncertain and unprecedented times. Join this free webinar for information that will assist you and your clients with the decisions you may be facing over the next few months.

MSCPA members will receive 1 CPE credit. To register, click here.

Date: Thursday, May 21
Time: 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Price: FREE

To view a comprehensive list of our CPE listings, click here
Virtual Town Hall with AICPA President and CEO (6/16)
The COVID-19 pandemic is presenting challenges and opportunities for the accounting profession. Barry Melancon, CPA, CGMA, president and CEO of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), will discuss how the profession is addressing disruption and reimagining its services to remain trusted advisers in a complex, rapidly changing world. Topics will include the innovation of core services, new and emerging technologies and the evolution of CPA licensure. 
 
MSCPA members will receive 1 CPE credit. To register, click here.
 
Date: Tuesday, June 16 
Time: 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. 
Price: Free for MSCPA Members | $50 for Non-Members
SBA Guidance for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
DOR & IRS Updates
Professional Resources
The MSCPA and AICPA have created Resource Centers to provide members with the latest information on how COVID-19 is affecting the accounting profession and business community.

To view the MSCPA Coronavirus Resource Center for CPAs, click here.


To view the AICPA Coronavirus Resource Center webpage, click here.

Please note: MSCPA members can also turn to the HUB, our online community, to ask questions and share resources with your peers in Massachusetts. New posts and information are being added every day. Head to the HUB by clicking here.
Massachusetts Relief Programs
Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund
The relief fund is dedicated to supporting healthcare workers, first responders, frontline essential employees and our most vulnerable neighbors. To learn more, click here.
 
Small Business Relief & Assistance
Some local banks and municipalities may be providing relief for residents and small businesses that are experiencing issues making rent or mortgage payments. Call your city or town hall to inquire. Click here to view a list of available programs.

Safely Support Those in Need during the COVID-19 Outbreak
Many firms and companies are giving back to their communities in a number of creative ways. Please check out this list of Massachusetts organizations you can give back to as an individual or as a firm/company. 
Massachusetts Resources
DPH Updates: Click here to read updates from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) regarding COVID-19.

COVID-19 Resources and Guidance for Municipal Officials: For those who work with cities and towns across the Commonwealth, the Division of Local Services has a dedicated webpage that provides finance guidance to city and town officials related to the state of emergency. For more information, click here.
 
For urgently needed guidance, please email the DLS

Massachusetts Health Connector Enrollment Period Extended: The Health Connector extended its enrollment period through May 25 due to the COVID-19 outbreak. If you've lost your health insurance due to a job loss and want to see if you qualify for health coverage, click here

DOL Updates: The Department of Labor (DOL) is now processing Unemployment Insurance (UI) applications for self-employed individuals. To apply, click here.

To view the U.S. Department of Labor COVID-19 resource page, click here.
Maximize Your Membership: Get Involved Webinar (5/27)
Join us next Wednesday for a FREE 30-minute webinar to learn how you can get the most out of your MSCPA membership! We'll be covering who we are, what we have to offer and how you can get involved. You'll learn about our webinars, seminars, committee meetings, roundtables, networking opportunities, resources and more. REGISTER

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