Annual Reporting and Audit Season Has Arrived
Most local governments have a fiscal year that ends on June 30, and since that has passed, we are now officially in the annual reporting and audit season! Oregon's local governments are required to file annual financial reports with the Oregon Secretary of State (ORS 297.405 - 297.990). This helps ensure that Oregonians have transparency into how their local governments are managing public resources. Our office has already begun to receive these reports and we're available to answer questions. Here is some information you need to know.
NEW WEBSITE
Our website has a new look! We are very excited about our new site, which is designed to improve useability so Oregonians can better access the trove of information we have across Secretary of State divisions. You can find relevant information about Municipal Audit Law, answers to common questions, and important resources. Please visit the new site and make sure to use current forms and instructions for all filings.
Along with the new website, municipal filing fees can now be paid online using an electronic check option. Making your payment online this year can be a convenient option that would also save you from writing a check and paying postage.
DUE DATES
September 30, 2026: 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, 2026: 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.
EXTENSION REQUESTS
While it is the law for municipalities to file annual financial reports with the Secretary of State, in recent years more municipalities are filing late or not at all. This is harming Oregonians ability to have transparency into the finances of local governments. We understand that a variety of factors may contribute to making timely filing a challenge. Audit filers may request an extension of time to file their financial report "for good cause shown" (ORS 297.465). Extension requests must be filed on or before the municipality's filing due date, typically December 31.
There is not an extension provision for municipalities filing Agreed-Upon Procedures or Reports in Lieu of Audit; these must be filed on time for the audit exemption to apply (ORS 297.435)
QUESTIONS
If you have questions, please consult our website and FAQs or contact us directly.
Find Municipal Reports and Forms: https://sos.oregon.gov/audits/muniaudits/Pages/default.aspx
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