NEWS RELEASE 04/16/09

GASB Issues Statement 56, Codification of Accounting and Financial Reporting Guidance Contained in the AICPA Statements on Auditing Standards

Norwalk, CT, April 16, 2009—The Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) today issued Statement No. 56, Codification of Accounting and Financial Reporting Guidance Contained in the AICPA Statements on Auditing Standards. This Statement incorporates accounting and financial reporting guidance previously only contained in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) auditing literature into the GASB's accounting and financial reporting literature for state and local governments. The Statement 56 guidance addresses three issues from the AICPA's literature—related party transactions, going concern considerations, and subsequent events.

This Statement brings existing guidance (to the extent appropriate in a governmental environment) without substantive changes into the GASB's body of standards. Statement 56 is part of the GASB's effort to codify all generally accepted accounting principles for state and local governments so that they derive from a single source. This is intended to make it easier for preparers of state and local government financial statements to identify and apply relevant accounting guidance.

Statement 56 is effective immediately. To obtain a copy of the Statement log on to www.gasb.org or call 1-800-748-0659.

About the Governmental Accounting Standards Board

The GASB is the independent, not-for-profit organization formed in 1984 that establishes and improves financial accounting and reporting standards for state and local governments. Its seven members are drawn from the Board's diverse constituency, including preparers and auditors of government financial statements, users of those statements and members of the academic community. More information about the GASB can be found at its website, www.gasb.org.