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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.
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Reopening Massachusetts
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On June 1, Governor Baker signed Executive Order, COVID-19 Order No. 35, which authorizes businesses and organizations set to open in Phase 2 to begin preparations to do so. Phase 2 of the reopening process includes dine-in service at restaurants, retail businesses, hotels and motels, outdoor fields, courts, pools and more. All businesses and recreational areas are required to implement mandatory safety standards for employees and patrons.
Governor Baker also signed Executive Order, COVID-19 Order No. 36, that states "any licensed, approved or exempt childcare program that was closed by COVID-19 Order No. 10...may open its physical workplaces and facilities to workers for the preparing for opening when authorized." Childcare facilities may not open to children or the general public "until authorized to do so by a subsequent Order."
Details for the Phase 2 reopening will be announced on Saturday, June 6. The start of Phase 2, while expected for Monday, June 8, will ultimately be determined by data provided by the Department of Public Health.
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Restaurant Relief Bill Moves through Massachusetts House of Representatives: Mail-in Voting on Horizon
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The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed legislation yesterday that allows restaurants to sell to-go cocktails, caps third-party delivery and service fees
and waives interest and penalties for late meals tax payments through the end of this year. The bill also authorizes restaurants to continue selling beer, wine and to-go cocktails through the end of February 2021.
Separately, lawmakers debated legislation that expands access to voting in the 2020 primary and general elections. The legislation codifies that every registered Massachusetts voter would receive an application to request a ballot for the 2020 elections from the Office of the Secretary of State by July 15. The House will be back in session today to continue its debate on this issue.
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U.S. Congress Passes Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020
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- Extending the repayment period to a minimum maturity of five years after application for forgiveness with a remaining balance;
- Access to payroll tax deferment for businesses that received PPP loans; and
- Extending the rehiring deadline to align with expiration of enhanced unemployment insurance benefits.
The bill now goes to the President's desk for his signature.
To learn more about the details in the legislation, click here.
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UAA Model Rule Change to Support CPA Evolution
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The AICPA and NASBA leadership recently proposed changes to the UAA to ensure the CPA credential reflects the rapidly changing landscape of the accounting profession and the necessary skills CPAs need today and will need in the future. Read the exposure draft here.
The AICPA governing council has voted to pass CPA Evolution, and the NASBA board of directors is expected to address this issue this summer.
The public comment period is open until August 31, 2020 and can be emailed to uaacomments@nasba.org.
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Nationwide Unemployment Scam Targets Massachusetts Claimants
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The Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) issued a press release alerting Massachusetts residents of a large-scale criminal scheme that steals personal identities in order to file illegitimate unemployment assistance claims.
If you believe you may have had a false unemployment claim filed using your identity, contact the DUA here or at 877.626.6800. Please stay vigilant.
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Massachusetts Health Connector Enrollment Period Extended
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The Health Connector extended its enrollment period through June 23 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.
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Virtual Town Hall with AICPA President and CEO (6/16)
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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
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Guidance for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
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DOR & IRS Updates
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Resources for CPAs
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