Standards for Audit of Governmental Organizations, Programs, Activities, and Functions (Superseded by the 1981 revision)

In 1972, GAO issued “Standards for Audit of Governmental Organizations, Programs, Activities and Functions,” better known as the “yellow book.” This publication contained audit standards which must be followed by Federal auditors for audits of Federal organizations, programs, activities, functions, funds received by contractors, nonprofit organizations, and other external organizations.  These standards relate to the scope and quality of audit effort and to the characteristics of professional and meaningful audit reports.  This reprint includes minor changes from the 1972 publication, none of which are considered to be of sufficient substance to merit explanatory comment.  It is not intended that this reprint supersede the 1972 edition.