what month does the federal fiscal year begin
This is known as a fiscal year. Fiscal year versus calendar year A fiscal year is an accounting year that, unlike the calendar year, doesn't necessarily end on Dec. 31. A fiscal year is essentially a customized 12-month period used for accounting purposes. For example, a company might operate on a fiscal year that begins on Nov. 1 and ends on Oct. 31. Companies that follow a fiscal year must still adhere to IRS tax filing deadlines, which are based on the calendar year. Just as certain companies operate on a fiscal year instead of the calendar year, so too does the U.S. government. The federal government's fiscal year begins on Oct. 1 and ends on Sept. 30. Benefits of operating on a fiscal year Some companies opt to follow a fiscal year instead of a calendar year because their fiscal year better fits their natural business cycles.