Accounting and Auditing HelpDesk

The Auditor's Office HelpDesk answers auditing and accounting questions for governmental entities. Answers are informational only and are based on the specific circumstances presented. Responses may take one to five or more business days. If you need immediate assistance, please contact the Manager of the Team that audits your entity.

The information provided by the Auditor's Office HelpDesk is not a legal or a binding opinion. The Auditor's Office is not authorized to provide legal advice. We strongly encourage governments to bring legal issues to their legal counsel. The Auditor's Office reserves the right to not answer questions submitted to this helpdesk.

Citizens with a concern may submit them to our Hotline. State employees who wish to report possible improper governmental activity may submit their concerns to the Whistleblower program.

Neither the State of Washington nor any agency, officer, or employee of the State of Washington warrants the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of any information in this HelpDesk and shall not be liable for any losses caused by such reliance on the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of such information. Any person or entity that relies on any information obtained from this HelpDesk does so at his or her own risk.

Notice to legal counsel:
If you wish to submit a question to the State Auditor's Office HelpDesk please contact
Jan Jutte, Deputy for Legal Affairs, directly at: (360) 902-0363.

Other Sources of Help
Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington (MRSC)
If your question concerns specific financial practices for cities and counties, you may be better served by contacting the Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington (MRSC). Employees of Washington towns, cities and counties can submit research requests to MRSC online. Answers to previous research requests may be viewed by anyone, in addition to extensive information on a wide range of local government issues.

Department of Revenue (DOR)
If you have a technical question regarding Washington property, sales and use, or other taxes you should contact the Washington Department of Revenue. The Department maintains a Web page that lists contact numbers and offers responses to e-mailed questions as well.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
If you have a technical question regarding federal income tax or payroll tax, you should contact the federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS maintains a comprehensive Web page of forms, publications and contact information.
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