Glossary of Terms Used in the Federal Budget Process: Related Accounting, Economic, and Tax Terms (Third Edition)

Since the federal budget process involves making decisions about social and economic issues that affect all Americans, a prerequisite to participating in those decisions is an understanding of how the budget process works. With this objective in mind, Congress directed the Comptroller General to publish standard terminology, definitions, classifications, and codes for federal fiscal, budgetary, and program-related data and information. This glossary is part of the GAO efforts to fulfill its statutory responsibilities. The glossary provides a standard reference document of standardized definitions for use by Congress, federal agencies, and all others interested in the process of federal budgetmaking and to improve communication between the government and the public. The emphasis is on budget terms, but relevant accounting, economic, and tax terms are also defined. New features in this edition are an illustrated overview of the federal budget process and four appendices that supplement many of the definitions.