News

A recent communication from the AICPA addresses concerns expressed by CPA firms regarding whether Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness services are subject to peer review. The short answer, of course, is that it depends upon the situation. According to the alert, firms could be asked to review their clients’ calculations for accuracy and issue a findings report.

“This may indicate an agreed-upon procedures engagement is needed or has been performed. If the firm is not otherwise subject to peer review, the performance of an agreed-upon procedures engagement under the Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements (SSAEs) would require the firm to undergo an engagement review,” the alert reads.

Firms can consult the following resources for more information:

• To understand the types of services firms may be asked to perform, check the PPP loan forgiveness services matrix

• For additional information related to the program, visit the SBA PPP resources for CPAs site, or

• For additional questions related to peer review, call the AICPA peer review hotline at 919.402.4502 or visit prsupport@aicpa.org.

• To assist firms that are unclear if they have performed an AUP engagement, contact the AICPA A&A Techinical Hotline at 877.242.7212

• Finally, questions related to PPP loan forgiveness services and their impact to peer review can also be directed to AICPA technical support at prptechnical@aicpa.org or by calling 919.402.4502, option 3.

The MICPA will continue to follow updates regarding the PPP and its related developments. Members can also pose questions on this topic and others by logging into the MICPA Connect forum.