 News About Municipal Audits in Oregon
Annual Filing Reminders
It’s summer, which means it’s time for fiscal year-end filing reminders. Oregon's local governments are required to file annual financial reports with the Oregon Secretary of State (ORS 297.405-.990). Since most local governments have a fiscal year-end of June 30, that means the annual reporting and audit season is upon us!
UPDATED FORMS REFLECT CHANGES TO LAW
Municipal Audit Law was updated during the 2023 legislative session. Those changes became effective for fiscal years ending on or after January 1, 2024. More information about these changes is available online.
We continue to receive annual reports in lieu of audit and some Summary of Revenues and Expenditure forms submitted on outdated forms. Please visit our website each year and make sure to use current forms and instructions for all filings.
DUE DATES
September 30, 2025: Reports in Lieu of Audit are due within 90 days of a local government's fiscal year-end. Governments that (1) don’t spend more than $250,000 a year, (2) have adequate fidelity bond coverage, and (3) file on time may be eligible to file a Report in Lieu of Audit. A complete filing can be done online and includes the following:
- Report in Lieu of Audit, and
- Filing fee.
December 31, 2025: Audit reports and Agreed-Upon Procedures (AUP) reports are due within 180 days of a local government's fiscal year-end. A complete filing includes all of the following items submitted online:
- Audit report or AUP report with financial statements,
- Summary of Revenues and Expenditures (SRE),
- Filing fee,
- If applicable, a copy of audit deficiencies communicated, and
- If applicable, adopted Plan of Action addressing the audit deficiencies.
Difficulties filing on time?
An increasing number of municipalities are filing late, or not at all. Several factors may contribute to the challenges of filing timely. Municipal Audit Law (ORS 297.405 – 297.990) does not have a mechanism to compel compliance with the filing requirement, except for special districts that do not file for three consecutive years (ORS 198.345).
However, it’s still important to file timely. This reporting mechanism holds municipalities accountable to the public and ensures transparent financial information is available for decision makers. The Audits Division responds to many questions from the public, media, and legislators about filing requirements and specific municipality’s compliance or non-compliance. These questions and recent testimony requested during the 2025 legislative session further highlight the importance of this annual filing requirement.
Local governments are responsible for compliance and accountable for transparent and timely financial reporting. The Oregon Secretary of State Audits Division avoids providing specific guidance to municipalities on how they should or should not conduct their affairs, including navigating firm relationships and contractual agreements. These are management and governing body decisions.
We’re happy to work with municipalities to provide information and options when they find they are late filing or falling further behind in their reporting requirements.
QUESTIONS
If you have questions, please consult our website and FAQs or contact us directly.
Find Municipal Reports and Forms: sos.oregon.gov/audits/Pages/muniaudits.aspx
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