AICPA 

Press Release
AICPA Partners with CPA Firms on New Diversity Program for Students
The AICPA has selected five firms to participate in the Private Companies Practice Section George Willie Ethnically Diverse Student Scholarship and Internship program.
February 26, 2019

CBO

Cost Estimate
S. 224, A bill to provide for the conveyance of certain property to the Tanana Tribal Council located in Tanana, Alaska, and to the Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation located in Dillingham, Alaska, and for other purposes
As ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on January 29, 2019
March 4, 2019

Cost Estimate
S. 196, Modernizing Congressional Reporting Act of 2019
March 1, 2019
As ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on February 13, 2019

Cost Estimate
S. 395, Providing Accountability Through Transparency Act of 2019
March 1, 2019
As ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on February 13, 2019

Cost Estimate
S. 380, GOOD Act
March 1, 2019
As ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on February 13, 2019

Cost Estimate
H.R. 1112, Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019
March 1, 2019
As passed by the House of Representatives on February 28, 2019

Cost Estimate
H.R. 504, DHS Field Engagement Accountability Act
March 1, 2019
As ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on February 13, 2019

Cost Estimate
S. 394, Presidential Transition Enhancement Act of 2019
March 1, 2019
As ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on February 13, 2019

Cost Estimate
H.R. 1, For the People Act of 2019
March 1, 2019
As ordered reported by the Committee on House Administration on February 26, 2019

Cost Estimate
S. 310, Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Act
February 28, 2019
As reported by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works on February 5, 2019

Cost Estimate
S. 333, National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium Act of 2019
February 28, 2019
As ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on February 13, 2019

Cost Estimate
S. 94, Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act
February 28, 2019
As reported by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works on February 5, 2019

Cost Estimate
S. 310, Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Act
February 28, 2019
As reported by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works on February 5, 2019

Cost Estimate
S. 333, National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium Act of 2019
February 28, 2019
As ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on February 13, 2019

Blog Post
How the 2017 Tax Act Has Affected CBO’s GDP and Budget Projections Since January 2017
February 28, 2019
CBO Director Keith Hall discusses changes to CBO’s economic forecast since January 2017 and provides an estimate of the portion of those changes that can be attributed to the enactment of the 2017 tax act.

Presentation
On The Budget and Economic Outlook: 2019 to 2029
February 28, 2019
Presentation by Keith Hall, CBO Director, at the 35th Annual NABE Economic Policy Conference.

Report
Testimony on Discretionary Appropriations Under the Budget Control Act
February 27, 2019
Theresa Gullo, CBO’s Assistant Director for Budget Analysis, testifies before the Committee on the Budget, United States Senate, about discretionary funding following enactment of the Budget Control Act of 2011.

Presentation
The Economic Outlook for 2019 to 2029 in 21 Slides
February 27, 2019
This presentation of the economic outlook highlights the key findings from CBO’s recent report, The Budget and Economic Outlook: 2019 to 2029.

Report
Federal Debt and the Statutory Limit, February 2019
February 26, 2019
CBO projects that if the debt limit is not raised or suspended again after it is automatically reset on March 2, the Treasury will probably run out of cash near the end of fiscal year 2019 or early in fiscal year 2020.

Report
Testimony on CBO’s Appropriation Request for Fiscal Year 2020
February 26, 2019
Director Keith Hall testifies on CBO’s appropriation request for fiscal year 2020 before the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch.

Report
Final Sequestration Report for Fiscal Year 2019
​February 25, 2019
As required, CBO reports on whether appropriations enacted for the current fiscal year have exceeded the statutory caps on discretionary funding. In CBO’s estimation, they have not, and a sequestration will not be required for 2019.

FAF

FAF Trustees Reappoint Brian W. Caputo to GASB  [02/26/19]
News Release

FASB

FASB Clarifies Implementation Guidance and Disclosure Requirements in Leases Standard  [03/05/19]
News Release
ASU 2019-01

FASB Issues Proposed Accounting Standards Update—Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718) and Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Codification Improvements—Share-Based Consideration Payable to a Customer  [03/04/19]
Exposure Document

Registration Opens for April 4 FASB Webcast: IN FOCUS: 2019 GAAP and SEC Reporting Taxonomy Improvements and SEC Update  [03/01/19]
Media Advisory
Course Description and Registration

FASB to Host Online Training Forum for Continuing Professional Education Providers  [02/26/19]
News Release
Course Description and Registration

GAO

Economic Adjustment Assistance:
Federal Programs Intended to Help Beneficiaries Adjust to Economic Disruption
GAO-19-85R: Published: Mar 5, 2019. Publicly Released: Mar 5, 2019.

Nuclear Waste Cleanup:
DOE Could Improve Program and Project Management by Better Classifying Work and Following Leading Practices
GAO-19-223: Published: Feb 19, 2019. Publicly Released: Mar 5, 2019.

Chemical Assessments:
Status of EPA's Efforts to Produce Assessments and Implement the Toxic Substances Control Act
GAO-19-270: Published: Mar 4, 2019. Publicly Released: Mar 4, 2019.

Export Controls:
State and Commerce Should Share Watch List Information If Proposed Rules to Transfer Firearms Are Finalized
GAO-19-307: Published: Mar 1, 2019. Publicly Released: Mar 1, 2019.

China:
Observations on Confucius Institutes in the United States and U.S. Universities in China
GAO-19-401T: Published: Feb 28, 2019. Publicly Released: Feb 28, 2019.

Veterans Health Administration:
Greater Focus on Credentialing Needed to Prevent Disqualified Providers from Delivering Patient Care
GAO-19-6: Published: Feb 28, 2019. Publicly Released: Feb 28, 2019.

Contingent Workforce:
BLS is Reassessing Measurement of Nontraditional Workers
GAO-19-273R: Published: Jan 29, 2019. Publicly Released: Feb 28, 2019.

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands:
DHS Implementation of U.S. Immigration Laws
GAO-19-376T: Published: Feb 27, 2019. Publicly Released: Feb 27, 2019.

Critical Infrastructure Protection:
Progress and Challenges in DHS's Management of Its Chemical Facility Security Program
GAO-19-402T: Published: Feb 27, 2019. Publicly Released: Feb 27, 2019.

Financial Services Industry:
Representation of Minorities and Women in Management and Practices to Promote Diversity, 2007-2015
GAO-19-398T: Published: Feb 27, 2019. Publicly Released: Feb 27, 2019.

Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Request:
U.S. Government Accountability Office
GAO-19-403T: Published: Feb 27, 2019. Publicly Released: Feb 27, 2019.

K-12 Education:
Federal Data and Resources on Restraint and Seclusion
GAO-19-418T: Published: Feb 27, 2019. Publicly Released: Feb 27, 2019.

Security Assistance:
U.S. Agencies Should Establish a Mechanism to Assess Caribbean Basin Security Initiative Progress
GAO-19-201: Published: Feb 27, 2019. Publicly Released: Feb 27, 2019.

China:
Agreements Establishing Confucius Institutes at U.S. Universities Are Similar, but Institute Operations Vary
GAO-19-278: Published: Feb 13, 2019. Publicly Released: Feb 27, 2019.

Department of Energy:
Performance Evaluations Could Better Assess Management and Operating Contractor Costs
GAO-19-5: Published: Feb 26, 2019. Publicly Released: Feb 26, 2019.

GASB

GASB Vice Chairman Jeffrey Previdi Talks to the Bond Buyer about What Guides the Board's Mission  [02/28/19]
Podcast

GASB Issues Proposed Implementation Guide on Leases  [02/28/19]
Media Advisory
Exposure Draft

FAF Trustees Reappoint Brian W. Caputo to GASB  [02/26/19]
News Release

IASB

05 March 2019
Package of supporting modules on the IFRS for SMEs Standard available

01 March 2019
Global Preparers Forum: March agenda papers available

28 February 2019
Summary of January 2019 Management Commentary Consultative Group meeting now available

28 February 2019
Project summaries on IFRS 8 and discount rates published

28 February 2019
Join the IFRS Foundation Trustees

27 February 2019
Investor publication: Analysing lessee financial statements and Non-GAAP performance measures

26 February 2019
Join the IFRS Foundation—IT and AV Technician needed

26 February 2019
Summary of January 2019 IFRS Taxonomy Consultative Group meeting now available

IRS 

IRS issues proposed regulations on deduction for foreign-derived intangible income and global intangible low-taxed income
IR-2019-27, March 5, 2019 — The Internal Revenue Service issued proposed regulations under section 250 of the Internal Revenue Code, which offers domestic corporations deductions for foreign-derived intangible income (FDII) and global intangible low-taxed income.

IRS kicks off annual list of most prevalent tax scams: Agency warns taxpayers of pervasive phishing schemes in its ‘Dirty Dozen’ campaign
IR-2019-26, March 4, 2019 — Kicking off the annual “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams, the Internal Revenue Service today warned taxpayers of the ongoing threat of internet phishing scams that lead to tax-related fraud and identity theft.

IRS: Be vigilant against phone scams; IRS: Be vigilant against phone scams; Annual ‘Dirty Dozen’ list continues
IR-2019-28, March 3, 2019 — As the April filing deadline approaches, the IRS today warned taxpayers to be alert to tax time phone scams where aggressive criminals pose as IRS agents in hopes of stealing money or personal information.

Tax Time Guide: ‘Where’s My Refund?’ remains easiest way to check tax refund status
IR-2019-25, February 28, 2019 — The IRS today reminds taxpayers that the easiest way to check on a tax refund is “Where’s My Refund?,” an online tool available at IRS.gov and through the IRS2Go app.

IRS waives estimated tax penalty for farmers, fishermen who file returns and pay tax by April 15
IR-2019-24, February 28, 2019 — The Internal Revenue Service will waive the estimated tax penalty for any qualifying farmer or fisherman who files his or her 2018 federal income tax return and pays any tax due by Monday, April 15, 2019.

Individuals who need passports for imminent travel should contact IRS promptly to resolve tax debt
IR-2019-23, February 27, 2019 ― The IRS today reiterated its warning that taxpayers may not be able to renew a current passport or obtain a new passport if they owe federal taxes.

Tax Time Guide: Most people affected by major tax reform changes; Special publication, other online resources can help
IR-2019-22, February 26, 2019 — With major tax law changes impacting every taxpayer, the Internal Revenue Service has developed a special electronic publication and other online resources designed to help people understand how tax reform affects them this year and the years ahead.

Interest rates remain the same for the second quarter of 2019
​IR-2019-21, February 25, 2019 — The Internal Revenue Service today announced that interest rates will remain the same for the calendar quarter beginning April 1, 2019, as they were in the first quarter of 2019

NYS Dept. of Taxation and Finance

Top 10 Things to Bring to Your Tax Preparer or a Free Tax Assistance Site
February 27, 2019​

SEC

SEC Celebrates African American History Month with Presentation by Award-Winning Filmmaker
Washington D.C., March 1, 2019 — The Securities and Exchange Commission celebrated African American History Month with events in its Regional Offices and a presentation by scholar and award-winning filmmaker Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. to discuss his latest documentary series, “Reconstruction: America After the Civil War,” at the agency’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. This year’s African American History Month theme, “Black Migrations,” focuses on the movement of African Americans throughout the United States from the early 20th century to today.

SEC Names Gabriel Benincasa As Its First Chief Risk Officer
Washington D.C., Feb. 28, 2019 —The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that Gabriel Benincasa has been named the Commission’s first Chief Risk Officer.  This position was created by SEC Chairman Jay Clayton to strengthen the agency’s risk management and cybersecurity efforts.

SEC Names Vanessa Countryman Acting Secretary
Washington D.C., Feb. 26, 2019 — The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that Vanessa Countryman has been named Acting Secretary.  Ms. Countryman will replace Brent Fields, who is stepping down as Secretary effective March 11, 2019, to accept a position in the Commission's Division of Investment Management.

Brent J. Fields Named Associate Director in the Division of Investment Management
Washington D.C., Feb. 26, 2019 — The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that Brent J. Fields has been named Associate Director of Disclosure Review and Accounting in the Division of Investment Management.

SEC Names S.P. Kothari as Chief Economist and Director of the Division of Economic and Risk Analysis
Washington D.C., Feb. 26, 2019 —The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that S.P. Kothari has been named Chief Economist and Director of the agency’s Division of Economic and Risk Analysis (DERA).  Dr. Chyhe Becker, who has served as DERA’s Acting Director while the SEC completed its search, will continue to serve both as Deputy Director and Associate Director of Litigation Economics.

SEC Modifies Timing for Filing Non-Public Form N-PORT Data to Align With Its Approach to Data Management and Cybersecurity
Washington D.C., Feb. 27, 2019 — The Commission today modified the submission deadlines for registered investment companies filing non-public monthly reports on Form N-PORT. 

SEC Halts South Florida Alternative Investments Scheme Targeting Retail Investors
Washington D.C., Feb. 26, 2019 — The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced fraud charges and an asset freeze against the operators of a South Florida-based investment fund scheme, one of whom has a prior felony conviction and is on parole after nearly 20 years in prison.

TIGTA

February 26, 2019
Independent Attestation Review of the Internal Revenue Service’s Fiscal Year 2018 Annual Accounting of Drug Control Funds and Related Performance [PDF]