PROPOSED CHANGES TO DATA COLLECTION FORM FOR SINGLE AUDITS
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By Ryan Graham, CPA – Senior Accountant
Non-federal entities (including non-profit organizations) that expend $500,000 or more per year in federal awards are required to perform a Single Audit. This is a detailed financial examination of an entity typically performed on an annual basis. Single Audits are a means of providing assurance to the federal government of the proper management and application of federal funds by recipients. In addition to non-profit organizations, recipients of federal awards include states, cities, and colleges/universities. Furthermore, Single Audits provide assurance that recipients comply with applicable federal and state laws and regulations. Single Audits require specific financial statements and a financial audit with respect to those operations funded by federal awards, as well as non-federal award operations. Once completed, the Single Audit must be filed with the Federal Audit Clearinghouse by the earlier of 1) 30 days after the audit report is submitted to the recipient or 2) 9 months after the final day of the period under audit. The data collection form package (DCF) is required to be electronically submitted using Federal Audit Clearinghouse's Internet Data Entry System and is a federal form that summarizes the results of each single audit and is required to be submitted by the auditee to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse.
On May 9, 2013 the U.S. Office of Management (OMB) issued a Federal Register Notice which proposed changes to the DCF and its instructions. The new form and instructions will be applicable for audit periods ending in 2013, 2014, and 2015. Some of the proposed major changes to the DCF of particular interest include:
- A new Federal Award Findings Page – A new findings page in Part III will expand the information that is required on the DCF when the single audit results include findings.
- Reporting Federal Loan and Loan Guarantees – For each Federal award reported on Part III, Item 6, a "yes" or "no" response will need to be provided as to whether the program is a federal loan or guarantee.
The final 2013 DCF may not be issued until late summer. If a single audit for a fiscal period ending in 2013 is due before the 2013 Form is available, auditees may not be able to meet the thirty day deadline for submissions. Therefore, OMB has granted an extension until September 30, 2013 for reporting packages due to the Clearinghouse before that date. The extension is automatic and there is no approval required. It is important to note that the extension applies only to single audits for the fiscal periods ending in 2013
If you would like to review the Federal Register Notice please visit http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-05-09/pdf/2013-10993.pdf
If you have any questions regarding the article above or any other issue affecting your not-for-profit organization please contact your Blue & Co. advisor or e-mail us at blue@blueandco.com or call us at 800-717-BLUE
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