AICPA

AICPA Comments on Filing Relief for Taxpayers Affected by Disasters
Feb 07, 2024

CIMA calls for improving productivity to be a central focus of the UK’s March budget
Feb 07, 2024

AICPA Highlights Key Details for Individuals to Keep in Mind During 2024 Tax Season
Feb 05, 2024

AICPA Provides Recommendations Regarding Donor Advised Funds Regulations
Feb 04, 2024

CBO

Working Paper
How CBO Projects Inflation
February 9, 2024
This paper describes how CBO projects consumer price inflation.

Cost Estimate
H.R. 2379, an act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 616 East Main Street in St. Charles, Illinois, as the “Veterans of the Vietnam War Memorial Post Office”
February 8, 2024
As reported by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on February 6, 2024

Cost Estimate
H.R. 292, an act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 24355 Creekside Road in Santa Clarita, California, as the “William L. Reynolds Post Office Building”
February 8, 2024
As reported by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on February 6, 2024

Cost Estimate
H.R. 3944, an act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 120 West Church Street in Mount Vernon, Georgia, as the “Second Lieutenant Patrick Palmer Calhoun Post Office”
February 8, 2024
As reported by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on February 6, 2024

Cost Estimate
H.R. 996, an act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3901 MacArthur Blvd. in New Orleans, Louisiana, as the “Dr. Rudy Lombard Post Office”
February 8, 2024
As reported by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on February 6, 2024

Report
Monthly Budget Review: January 2024
February 8, 2024
The federal budget deficit totaled $531 billion in the first four months of fiscal year 2024, CBO estimates—$71 billion more than the deficit recorded during the same period last fiscal year.

Cost Estimate
S. 2143, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 320 South 2nd Avenue in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, as the “Staff Sergeant Robb Lura Rolfing Post Office Building”
February 8, 2024
As reported by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on February 6, 2024

Cost Estimate
S. 2274, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 112 Wyoming Street in Shoshoni, Wyoming, as the “Dessie A. Bebout Post Office”
February 8, 2024
As reported by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on February 6, 2024

Cost Estimate
S. 2717, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 231 North Franklin Street in Greensburg, Indiana, as the “Brigadier General John T. Wilder Post Office”
February 8, 2024
As reported by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on February 6, 2024

Cost Estimate
S. 3267, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 410 Dakota Avenue South in Huron, South Dakota, as the “First Lieutenant Thomas Michael Martin Post Office Building”
February 8, 2024
As reported by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on February 6, 2024

Cost Estimate
S. 3357, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 5120 Derry Street in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, as the “Hettie Simmons Love Post Office Building”
February 8, 2024
As reported by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on February 6, 2024

Cost Estimate
S. 3412, Reuben E. Lawson Federal Building Act of 2023
February 8, 2024
As reported by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works on January 25, 2024

Cost Estimate
S. 3419, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1765 Camp Hill Bypass in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, as the “John Charles Traub Post Office”
February 8, 2024
As reported by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on February 6, 2024

Cost Estimate
S. 3570, a bill to designate the United States courthouse located at 500 West Pike Street in Clarksburg, West Virginia, as the “Irene M. Keeley United States Courthouse,” and for other purposes
February 8, 2024
As reported by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works on January 25, 2024

Cost Estimate
S. 3577, a bill to designate the Federal building located at 300 E. 3rd Street in North Platte, Nebraska, as the “Virginia Smith Federal Building,” and for other purposes
February 8, 2024
As reported by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works on January 25, 2024

Cost Estimate
S. 3639, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2075 West Stadium Boulevard in Ann Arbor, Michigan, as the “Robert Hayden Post Office”
February 8, 2024
As reported by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on February 6, 2024

Cost Estimate
S. 3640, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 155 South Main Street in Mount Clemens, Michigan, as the “Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Jefferson Post Office"
February 8, 2024
As reported by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on February 6, 2024

Cost Estimate
Senate Amendment 1388 to H.R. 815, the National Security Act, 2024
February 8, 2024
As posted on the Senate Amendment Tracking System on February 7, 2024, https://ats.senate.gov/Display.aspx?ID=1388
Identical text posted on the website of the Senate Committee
on Appropriations, https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/national_security_a…

Blog Post
Director’s Statement on the Budget and Economic Outlook for 2024 to 2034
February 7, 2024
CBO’s Director, Phillip Swagel, discusses the current budget and economic outlook.

Cost Estimate
Legislation considered under suspension of the Rules of the House of Representatives during the week of February 12, 2024
February 7, 2024
The Majority Leader of the House of Representatives announces bills that will be considered under suspension of the rules in that chamber. CBO estimates the effects of those bills on direct spending and revenues.

Cost Estimate
S. 576, Railway Safety Act of 2023
February 7, 2024
As reported by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on December 13, 2023

Cost Estimate
Senate Amendment 1386 to H.R. 815, the Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2024
February 7, 2024
As posted on the Senate Amendment Tracking System on
February 5, 2024, https://ats.senate.gov/Display.aspx?ID=1386
Identical language posted on the website of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, http://tinyurl.com/eepjt2y6

Presentation
The Budget and Economic Outlook for 2024 to 2034: Press Briefing Slides
February 7, 2024
CBO’s Director, Phillip Swagel, briefs members of the press on the current budget and economic outlook.

Report
The Budget and Economic Outlook: 2024 to 2034
February 7, 2024
In CBO’s projections, federal budget deficits total $20 trillion over the 2025–2034 period and federal debt held by the public reaches 116 percent of GDP. Economic growth slows to 1.5 percent in 2024 and then continues at a moderate pace.

Presentation
The Economic Outlook for 2024 to 2034 in 19 Slides
February 7, 2024
This slide deck highlights CBO’s key findings about the outlook for the economy as described in its new report, The Budget and Economic Outlook: 2024 to 2034.

Cost Estimate
H.R. 1432, VETT Act
February 6, 2024
As reported by the House Committee on Ways and Means on January 18, 2024

Cost Estimate
H.R. 6009, Restoring American Energy Dominance Act
February 6, 2024
As ordered reported by the House Committee on Natural Resources on December 6, 2023

Cost Estimate
H.R. 7217, Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024
February 6, 2024
As introduced in the House of Representatives on February 5, 2024

Cost Estimate
S. 2840, Bipartisan Primary Care and Health Workforce Act
February 6, 2024
As reported by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions on November 8, 2023

Cost Estimate
H.R. 188, Proven Forest Management Act of 2023
February 5, 2024
As ordered reported by the House Committee on Natural Resources on June 13, 2023

GAO

Veterans Affairs:
Improvements Needed in Estimating Funding for Potential Future Health Emergencies
GAO-24-106359
Published: Feb 8, 2024
Publicly Released: Feb 8, 2024
Veterans Affairs received about $36.7 billion in supplemental funds for its COVID-19 pandemic response. VA used the funds to support services at VA medical facilities and for new efforts like expanding IT infrastructure for telehealth services. At the pandemic's start, the Veterans Health Administration requested funds to continue operations. But VHA didn't have the tools to develop a base estimate of potential costs for an...

Military Spouse Employment:
Part-Time Workforce Characteristics and Perspectives
GAO-24-106263
Published: Feb 8, 2024
Publicly Released: Feb 8, 2024
For spouses of military service members, finding or keeping a job is a top concern. This Q&A report examines the demographics, employment experiences, and well-being of military spouses who worked part time. Of approximately 270,000 military spouses who were employed, about a third worked part time in 2021, based on our estimates from DOD data. Military spouses we interviewed said they worked part time because...

Department of Homeland Security:
Additional Actions Needed to Improve Oversight of Joint Task Forces
GAO-24-106855
Published: Feb 7, 2024
Publicly Released: Feb 7, 2024
From 2015 to 2020, the Department of Homeland Security ran 3 intradepartmental task forces. Joint task forces allow DHS to coordinate its agencies to combat complex threats like drug smuggling and terrorism. DHS ended two of them in 2020; one remains active. In 2022, Congress began requiring DHS to report why it has started or ended a task force. But as of November 2023, DHS...

Surface Transportation Threats:
Better Communication with Stakeholders Needed about the Security Clearance Process
GAO-24-106382
Published: Feb 7, 2024
Publicly Released: Feb 7, 2024
The U.S. surface transportation system—which includes public transportation, railroads, and pipelines—has been a target for cyberattacks and other threats. To protect it, the Department of Homeland Security shares information about threats with companies and other entities that own or run parts of the system. In some circumstances, entities need security clearances to see classified information. DHS officials and stakeholders we interviewed had different understandings about...

Artificial Intelligence:
Fully Implementing Key Practices Could Help DHS Ensure Responsible Use for Cybersecurity
GAO-24-106246
Published: Feb 7, 2024
Publicly Released: Feb 7, 2024  
While responsible use of artificial intelligence can improve security, irresponsible use may pose risks. We looked at what the Department of Homeland Security is doing to ensure responsible use of its AI for cybersecurity. DHS created a public inventory of "AI use cases"—how it uses AI. But DHS doesn't verify whether each case is correctly characterized as AI. Of the 2 cybersecurity cases in the...

Homelessness:
Barriers to Obtaining ID and Assistance Provided to Help Gain Access
GAO-24-105435
Published: Feb 7, 2024
Publicly Released: Feb 7, 2024  
People experiencing homelessness may need ID to secure jobs, stable housing, and federal benefits. But, they may not have the money, supporting documents, or residential address they need to get an ID. State efforts to address these barriers include offering reduced-fee IDs. Federal efforts include funding local homelessness assistance providers who can help people get documents or pay for ID applications. Further, public housing agencies...

Private Debt Collection Program:
IRS Could Improve Results and Better Promote Equitable Outcomes for Taxpayers
GAO-24-106140
Published: Feb 6, 2024
Publicly Released: Feb 6, 2024  
Under the Private Debt Collection Program, the IRS contracts with private collection agencies to collect certain taxes that haven't been paid. Most of the individual and business taxpayers that IRS assigns to this program owe $5k or less. The IRS should evaluate potential equity disparities in this program, such as unintended and unwarranted differences in collection referrals by race, sex, or location. However, the IRS...

Disaster Assistance:
Information on the 2021 Condominium Collapse in Surfside, Florida
GAO-24-106558
Published: Feb 6, 2024
Publicly Released: Feb 6, 2024  
The partial collapse of a 12-story beachfront condo in Florida was one of the deadliest structural disasters in American history—killing 98 people and injuring many more. This Q&A report looks at the federal response. FEMA coordinated response and recovery efforts, including assistance for survivors and victims' families. The National Institute of Standards and Technology is investigating the technical cause of the collapse and plans to...

Bureau of Prisons:
Additional Actions Needed to Improve Restrictive Housing Practices
GAO-24-105737
Published: Feb 6, 2024
Publicly Released: Feb 6, 2024  
As of October 2023, the Bureau of Prisons was housing about 8% of its prison population in restrictive housing, also known as "solitary confinement." In some cases, this includes isolating people in cells for up to 23 hours per day. Two prior studies have given the Bureau recommendations on how to improve its restrictive housing practices. However, it hasn't implemented a number of these recommendations—such...

Defense Health Care:
DOD Should Monitor Urgent Referrals to Civilian Behavioral Health Providers to Ensure Timely Care
GAO-24-106267
Published: Feb 6, 2024
Publicly Released: Feb 6, 2024  
DOD aims to provide behavioral health care to active-duty service members at its military treatment facilities, but it has also needed to make referrals to civilian providers to meet demand. DOD generally monitors the timeliness of appointments, and is working to fill provider vacancies at its facilities. But it hasn't monitored how long it takes to get appointments with civilian providers after an urgent referral...

Federal Hiring:
USA Staffing System Supports Hiring Needs, but Actions Are Needed to Strengthen Training and Program Management GAO-24-105738
Published: Feb 6, 2024
Publicly Released: Feb 6, 2024
Many federal agencies use the Office of Personnel Management's USA Staffing system to assess job candidates and onboard new hires. OPM provides initial training and ongoing technical and cybersecurity support. Human capital professionals at several agencies told us they were satisfied with the system. Agencies give their staff agency-specific training and guidance. Some IRS and National Park Service system users expressed concern about the timing...
And in remote areas, like parts of Alaska, adequate housing can mean a long commute. The Coast Guard hasn't conducted a service-wide...

IASB

Join the staff—Global Compensation and Benefits Manager
Careers
12 February 2024

February 2024 International Accounting Standards Board agenda and meeting papers now available
Meeting
9 February 2024

Watch a new webcast series on proposals in the Exposure Draft Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Equity
Webcast
8 February 2024

Join the staff—Information Associate
Careers
8 February 2024

IRS

Treasury, IRS update frequently asked questions for the Premium Tax Credit
IR-2024-37, Feb 9, 2024 — The Internal Revenue Service today updated its frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the Premium Tax Credit.

IRS warns tax professionals to be aware of EFIN scam email; special webinars offered next week
IR-2024-36, Feb. 8, 2024 — The Internal Revenue Service and Security Summit partners today alerted tax professionals of a scam email impersonating various software companies in an attempt to steal Electronic Filing Identification Numbers (EFINs).

IRS: West Virginia taxpayers impacted by severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides qualify for tax relief; various deadlines postponed to June 17
IR-2024-35, Feb. 7, 2024 — The Internal Revenue Service today announced tax relief for individuals and businesses in parts of West Virginia affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides that began on Aug. 28, 2023.

IRS Employer-Provided Childcare Tax Credit page helps employers determine eligibility for up to $150,000 business tax credit
IR-2024-34, Feb. 7, 2024 — The Internal Revenue Service announced the launch of a new page on IRS.gov explaining the Employer-Provided Childcare Tax Credit, an incentive for businesses to provide child care services to their employees. 

IRS revises and updates frequently asked questions about Form 1099-K
IR-2024-33, Feb. 6, 2024 — In an effort to provide more resources for taxpayers during this filing season, the Internal Revenue Service today revised frequently asked questions for Form 1099-K, Payment Card and Third Party Network Transactions, in Fact Sheet FS-2024-03.

IRS: Maine taxpayers impacted by severe storms and flooding qualify for tax relief; various deadlines postponed to June 17
IR-2024-32, Feb. 5, 2024 — The Internal Revenue Service announced today tax relief for individuals and businesses in parts of Maine affected by severe storms and flooding that began on Dec. 17, 2023.

NYS

Protect Yourself from Bad Tax Preparers: Know Your Rights
February 8, 2024

PCAOB

PCAOB Announces 2024 Advisory Group Members
Feb. 7, 2024

PCAOB Sanctions Engagement Partner and EQR Partner for Failures in Auditing Financial Statements and Internal Controls
Feb. 6, 2024

SEC

Sixteen Firms to Pay More Than $81 Million Combined to Settle Charges for Widespread Recordkeeping Failures
2024-18
Washington D.C., Feb. 9, 2024 — The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced charges against five broker-dealers, seven dually registered broker-dealers and investment advisers, and four affiliated investment advisers for widespread and longstanding failures by the firms and their employees to maintain and preserve electronic communications.

SEC Adopts Amendments to Enhance Private Fund Reporting
2024-17
Washington D.C., Feb. 8, 2024 — The Securities and Exchange Commission today adopted amendments to Form PF, the confidential reporting form for certain SEC-registered investment advisers to private funds, including those that also are registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) as commodity pool operators or commodity trading advisers. The amendments, which the CFTC concurrently adopted, are designed to enhance the ability of the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) to monitor and assess systemic risk and to bolster the SEC’s oversight of private fund advisers and the agency’s investor protection efforts. The SEC and CFTC also agreed to a memorandum of understanding related to the sharing of Form PF data.

SEC Charges TradeStation Crypto for Unregistered Offer and Sale of Crypto Asset Lending Product
2024-16
Washington D.C., Feb. 7, 2024 — The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced charges against TradeStation Crypto, Inc., based in Plantation, Florida, for failing to register the offer and sale of a crypto lending product that allowed U.S. investors to deposit or purchase crypto assets in a TradeStation account in exchange for the company’s promise to pay interest. To settle the SEC’s charges, TradeStation agreed to pay a $1.5 million penalty.

SEC Charges China-Based Tech Company Cloopen Group with Accounting Fraud
2024-15
Washington D.C., Feb. 6, 2024 — The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced settled accounting fraud charges against Cloopen Group Holding Limited, a China-based provider of cloud communications products and services whose American depositary shares formerly traded on the New York Stock Exchange. The SEC determined not to impose civil penalties against Cloopen because the company self-reported its accounting issues, cooperated extensively with the staff’s investigation, and undertook prompt remedial measures.

SEC Adopts Rules to Include Certain Significant Market Participants as “Dealers” or “Government Securities Dealers” 2024-14
Washington D.C., Feb. 6, 2024 — The Securities and Exchange Commission today adopted two rules that require market participants who engage in certain dealer roles, in particular those who take on significant liquidity-providing roles in the markets, to register with the SEC, become members of a self-regulatory organization (SRO), and comply with federal securities laws and regulatory obligations.

TIGTA

Assessment of Processes to Grant Access to Sensitive Systems and to Safeguard Federal Tax Information
February 6, 2024