Audits for municipalities and counties must be completed within how many months of the close of the fiscal year?

• A. 3 Months
• B. 6 Months
• C. 9 Months
• D. 12 Months

Answer: (B)

Audits for local governments are timed to provide timely accountability after the fiscal year ends. The standard window is six months, giving auditors enough time to complete fieldwork, compile the financial statements, and issue a formal report. This six-month deadline helps ensure the public, council, and state authorities receive up-to-date financial information without undue delay. Shorter than six months would risk rushing a thorough audit, while longer than six months delays important oversight and reporting. So six months is the typical completion period after the close of the fiscal year.