Filing local government annual financial reports
Online. Quick. Easy.
There are 34 different types of local government authorities and districts across Washington, from air pollution and cemetery districts to regional planning councils and water conservation boards. All are required to file annual financial reports with the State Auditor's Office (SAO). The online filing system helps government organizations small and large, file their reports efficiently.
- I am ready to file financial reports online.
- I am new or need help filing my financial reports.
- View and download cash basis and GAAP reporting templates
- Unsure whether to file under GAAP or Cash? Review the GAAP versus Cash resource.
Why should your local government organization file online?
- Start early:
- Save time by preparing required items and starting the filing process early.
- Gain efficiency:
- No CDs or thumb drives to create, no paper to copy, and no postage to buy. You will receive instant electronic confirmation that we received your report.
Need Help?
We have several options for contacting the Annual Filing Support Team.
- Use the Help Desk for assistance with technical questions
- Contact us via email: LGCSFeedback@sao.wa.gov
- Contact us via voicemail message: (564) 201 – 2975
- LiveChat: available in the annual filing system during May
Watch our videos about filing online to learn about the filing process on our eLearning page.
- Register for annual filing trainings, SAO webinars, and other learning opportunities the Training and Workshops page
Can anyone view financial data filed by local governments?
Yes. Visit the new and improved Financial Intelligence Tool, or FIT.
Important reminders about this tool:
- SAO has not audited the data – the tool shows information provided directly by the local governments, and neither the state of Washington nor its agencies, officers, or employees can guarantee the accuracy or timeliness of the information.
- Data may be missing – the organizations may not have filed yet or the organization itself may no longer exist.
- Large variations from year to year may be due to a variety of reasons. These reports provide only raw numbers – not explanations.