Small Companies Get a Break With Sarbanes-Oxley Amendment
Yesterday the SEC unanimously approved new guidelines for small companies to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The internal controls required by Section 404 are designed to address fraud and financial manipulation, but have been highly criticized for the excessive costs to small companies. The new standards loosen the requirements (and reduce the associated costs) of Section 404 by permitting companies to focus their internal controls on the areas with the greatest risk for fraud. Small companies must begin complying with the new standards by December 15, 2007. For more information see this article in today's New York Times.
