Policymakers and program managers are continually seeking ways to improve accountability in achieving an entity's mission. A key factor in improving accountability in achieving an entity's mission is to implement an effective internal control system. An effective internal control system helps an entity adapt to shifting environments, evolving demands, changing risks, and new priorities. As programs change and entities strive to improve operational processes and implement new technology, management continually evaluates its internal control system so that it is effective and updated when necessary. Section 3512 (c) and (d) of Title 31 of the United States Code (commonly known as the Federal Managers' Financial Integrity Act (FMFIA)) requires the Comptroller General to issue standards for internal control in the federal government.

In Nov. 2009, a report was issued on the results of an audit of the financial statements of the IRS as of, and for the FY ending, Sept. 30, 2009, and 2008, and on the effectiveness of its internal controls as of Sept. 30, 2009. In March 2010, a report was issued on information security issues identified during a FY 2009 audit, along with associated recommendations. This report presents internal control and compliance issues identified during an audit of IRS¿s financial statements as of, and for the fiscal year ending, Sept. 30, 2009, for which there are no recommendations outstanding. The report provides 41 recommendations to address the internal control and compliance issues that have been identified. Charts and tables.

The IRS has a demanding responsibility to annually collect trillions of dollars in taxes, process hundreds of millions of tax and information returns, and enforce the nation¿s tax laws. Since its first audit of IRS¿s financial statements in FY 1992, GAO has identified a number of weaknesses in IRS¿s financial management operations. This report: (1) provides an overview of the financial management challenges still facing IRS; (2) provides the status of financial audit and financial management¿related recommendations and the actions needed to address them; and (3) highlights the relationship between GAO¿s recommendations and internal control activities central to IRS¿s mission and goals. Charts and tables. This is a print on demand report.

Audits provide essential accountability and transparency over government programs. Given the current challenges facing governments and their programs, the oversight provided through auditing is more critical than ever. Government auditing provides the objective analysis and information needed to make the decisions necessary to help create a better future. The professional standards presented in this 2018 revision of Government Auditing Standards (known as the Yellow Book) provide a framework for performing high-quality audit work with competence, integrity, objectivity, and independence to provide accountability and to help improve government operations and services. These standards, commonly referred to as generally accepted government auditing standards (GAGAS), provide the foundation for government auditors to lead by example in the areas of independence, transparency, accountability, and quality through the audit process. This revision contains major changes from, and supersedes, the 2011 revision.