Are Nonprofit Audits Public Record?

Transparency is a cornerstone of nonprofit accountability, especially when it comes to finances. While many assume that nonprofit audit reports are automatically part of the public record, that’s not entirely the case. In reality, nonprofit audits are not legally required to be public documents, but financial transparency is still expected—often through other means.

Are Audit Reports Public?

The short answer is no, nonprofit audit reports are not required by law to be made public. The IRS does not mandate the public disclosure of full audit reports, even if a nonprofit undergoes an independent financial audit. These reports are typically prepared for internal use, board review, and to meet the requirements of funders or regulatory bodies.

However, many nonprofits choose to voluntarily share their audit reports—especially those with large budgets, major grant funding, or a public-facing mission. Posting the audit report on the organization’s website or including it in an annual report can demonstrate a commitment to transparency and build donor trust.

What Financial Information Is Public?

Although the audit report itself isn't public record, the nonprofit's IRS Form 990 is. Every 501(c)(3) organization (with some exceptions) is required to file a Form 990 annually. This form includes:

• Revenue and expense summaries
• Executive compensation
• Program accomplishments
• Governance practices

The IRS requires that Form 990 be made publicly available. It can be accessed via the organization’s website, third-party platforms like GuideStar (now part of Candid), or upon written request. This means that while you may not see the full audit report, you can still review a nonprofit’s financial health and priorities.

Why Transparency Still Matters

Even though audit reports aren’t mandatory public records, transparency is crucial for maintaining the confidence of donors, grantmakers, and the community. Many leading nonprofits go beyond the legal minimum by:

• Publishing full audit reports online
• Including financial highlights in annual reports
• Hosting public meetings or Q&A sessions

Conclusion

While nonprofit audits themselves are not public record, financial transparency is still a best practice. At a minimum, Form 990 is publicly accessible and provides insight into a nonprofit’s finances. Organizations that voluntarily disclose their audits often enhance trust and demonstrate accountability.