The GASB staff is compiling an Implementation Guide to assist preparers and auditors in the implementation and application of Statement No. 44, Economic Condition Reporting: The Statistical Section, which was released in May 2004 and is effective for periods beginning after June 15, 2005. In preparation for development of the guide, the GASB is seeking input on issues for which additional implementation guidance would be helpful to preparers and auditors.

Generally, the topics addressed in an Implementation Guide include issues raised by constituents in due process or as a result of subsequent application of a standard, as well as issues anticipated by the GASB. An Implementation Guide also may address issues related to the application of a standard to special-purpose governments. Guidance in the Implementation Guide will be limited to clarifying, explaining, or elaborating on the requirements of Statement 44. The guide will be cleared by the Board and will be a part of the hierarchy of generally accepted accounting principles.

If you have identified an issue that you believe should be addressed in the Implementation Guide to Statement 44, please send a description of the issue to Dean Mead at dmmead@gasb.org. Please indicate in your e-mail subject line that the question is a suggestion for the Statement 44 Implementation Guide.

How to Submit Other Technical Questions

If you have a technical issue for which you require a personal response (responses are provided through a telephone call), please submit your question through the GASB’s online Technical Inquiry System at www.gasb.org. If you have questions about the submission process or difficulties with the system, contact John Decker at (203) 956-5363 or jddecker@gasb.org.