Here's everything you need to know from our advocacy team this week...
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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.

IRS: July 15 Tax Filing Deadline Remains 

The IRS announced earlier this week that the July 15 tax filing deadline will not be extended for a second time. Individual taxpayers who are unable to file by July 15 may request an automatic extension to file until October 15.

IRS Lock Box Locations

The IRS recently published a 2020 Lockbox Address Directory for tax practitioners and taxpayers. Please take note that the addresses to mail returns varies by form and whether or not a payment is included with the returns.

Governor Baker Signs Interim Budget Funding Massachusetts Government through July

Governor Baker signed an interim budget bill on Friday, June 26 funding the state government for the month of July as state legislators continue to develop a budget for fiscal year 2021. The $5.25 billion budget will also allow for State Treasurer Goldberg to distribute local aid to municipalities across Massachusetts, which will be "largely based on fiscal year 2020 estimates."

MassINC Small Business Recovery Survey

We've partnered with MassINC Polling Group and others to conduct an important statewide survey about how the coronavirus has impacted small businesses in Massachusetts. We're asking for your input to ensure that economic recovery programs and policies are informed by your current needs.

This survey is for small businesses with 500 employees or less and should take less than 10 minutes of your time. Your answers will be analyzed together with other responses and will never be used to identify you personally.

To take the survey, click here. Thank you very much for participating in this important initiative. Please share this survey with other Massachusetts business owners to ensure wide representation.

U.S. Senate Votes to Extend Paycheck Protection Program 

On June 30, hours before it was set to expire, the U.S. Senate voted to extend the Paycheck Protection Program application window by five weeks. With about $129 billion remaining PPP funding, this extension provides businesses more time to apply for and receive the federal relief.

The extension will not take effect unless and until the House of Representatives votes to approve and the President signs off on the measure. Congress leaves for a two-week recess at the end of this week.  

New England Advocacy Coalition

Earlier this year, MSCPA President and CEO Amy Pitter formed the New England Advocacy Coalition, which is comprised of the presidents and CEOs of their respective state CPA societies. Each month, the Coalition produces a newsletter that captures what's been happening around New England as it relates to the accounting profession.

To read the July newsletter, click here.

Guidance for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
DOR & IRS Updates
U.S. Department of Labor Announces Online Portal for Paid Leave Eligibility

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released an online portal through which workers can determine their eligibility for paid leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).

To view the Families First Coronavirus Response Act FAQs,
click here.

UAA Model Rule Change to Support CPA Evolution

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 public comment period is open until August 31, 2020 and can be emailed to
uaacomments@nasba.org

Massachusetts Resources

Massachusetts Health Connector: The Health Connector extended its enrollment period through July 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.

Reopening Massachusetts: We are in Phase 2 of our Reopening Plan. For more information, click here.  

DUA Unemployment Scam: 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.

Additional information on this will be posted here as it becomes available. 

Department of Public Health (DPH):
Click here to read updates from the DPH regarding COVID-19. 

Division of Local Services (DLS): For those who work with cities and towns across the Commonwealth, the DLS 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

Resources for CPAs

For a full list of Massachusetts relief programs and professional resources, please visit the MSCPA's Coronavirus Resource Center for CPAs.


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