Auditors around the world use GAO’s Government Auditing Standards, commonly referred to as generally accepted government auditing standards (GAGAS) or the Yellow Book, to perform effective government audits.
GAO maintains the Yellow Book and monitors and responds to emerging issues in domestic and international auditing standards. Auditors of government entities and entities that receive government awards use the Yellow Book to perform their audits and produce their reports.
The Yellow Book contains standards for financial audits, attestation engagements, and performance audits as well as specific requirements for individual auditors and audit organizations. The 2024 revision of the Yellow Book enhances how audit organizations manage audit quality.
These standards are intended to help ensure that an audit organization produces reliable, objective, and high-quality engagements for use in holding management and officials entrusted with public resources accountable for carrying out their duties. Another updated area adds guidance for financial audits.