Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best way to stay current with the activities of the FASB?
   Action Alert is the FASB's weekly newsletter announcing forthcoming meetings and Board actions at prior meetings. To receive Action Alert by email, click on Action Alert Service by Email.

2. Are meetings open to the public?
   Meetings of the FASB, roundtable meetings, and meetings of other FASB groups and committees normally are open to public observation. Observers may not participate in the discussion. Open meetings are announced in the FASB’s weekly newsletter, Action Alert. Board, EITF, and other select meetings are available via telephone or webcast. See Action Alert for details.

3. How do I submit a comment letter on an exposure document?
   Comment letters should be submitted electronically to director@fasb.org or you may send your comment letter via regular mail to:

   Director
   Financial Accounting Standards Board
   401 Merritt 7
   P.O. Box 5116
   Norwalk, CT 06856-5116

4. How do I submit comments on current projects?
   Your comments are welcome at all times. Email addresses for project team members are listed at the end of each project update on our website.

5. How are topics added to the FASB’s agenda?
   The FASB receives input on potential agenda topics from a variety of sources. Agenda requests are reviewed by the Board at least semiannually. The Board considers seven factors (agenda criteria) in evaluating proposed topics. Click on Facts about FASB for more information.

6. How do I request that a topic be added to the FASB’s agenda?
   We welcome your comments. Please email your request to fasbcomments@fasb.org in the form of a letter that identifies the problem, states in sufficient detail the reason(s) for the request, and sets forth specific proposals for solution. Your letter will be reviewed by one of the Technical Directors and distributed to all members of the FASB. You will receive a reply informing you when the Board will review your request at a public meeting. Those submitting a request will receive a response, regardless of whether the FASB decides to add the requested topic to its agenda.

7. How do I request that the FASB review or reexamine an existing pronouncement?
   Please email your request to fasbcomments@fasb.org in the form of a letter that identifies the pronouncement that is the subject of your request, states in sufficient detail the reason(s) for the request, and sets forth specific proposals for solution. Your letter will be reviewed by one of the Technical Directors and distributed to all members of the FASB. In its consideration of such requests, the FASB will seek to determine whether the information and reasoning submitted in support of the request were adequately considered and dealt with by the FASB prior to issuance of the pronouncement in question, and whether events and circumstances coming to the FASB’s attention are such as to warrant FASB review or reexamination. Those submitting a request will receive a response, regardless of whether the FASB determines to grant a request to review or reexamination.

8. Who do I call if I have an inquiry on an existing pronouncement?
   Constituents must submit their questions via our Technical Inquiry form. Once submitted, the constituent will then be contacted by a FASB staff member by phone or e-mail.

9. Why does it take as long as two weeks for the FASB staff to answer a technical inquiry?
   The staff should contact you within a day or two of receiving the inquiry to let you know they are researching your issue. You should expect a final response within two weeks, but it may take longer depending on staff availability and the nature of your question. The FASB staff addresses inquiries in the order that they are received.

10. Can I view your database of technical inquiries?
    No, technical inquiries are kept confidential.

11. Is there a list of FASB staff members and phone extensions on the FASB’s website?
    The FASB does not publish the phone numbers of staff members, only e-mail addresses, click on Contact FASB.

12. Can I go to the FASB offices and purchase a document? Yes. If someone is in the Norwalk, CT area and would like to obtain a FASB publication in person, they may do so (see the 5th floor receptionist).

13. Can I have FASB documents that I order emailed to me?
    No, the FASB does not electronically mail FASB documents. The FASB Order Department will ship your documents via regular mail. Many FASB documents may be downloaded from the website—Statements of Financial Accounting Standards, Statements of Financial Accounting Concepts, FASB Interpretations, FASB Technical Bulletins, EITF Issue Summaries (after June 2004), and Exposure Drafts (available until the final Statement is issued).

14. Can I visit and use the FASB’s library?
    No. The FASB’s library is reserved for Financial Accounting Foundation employees only. The FASB has a public reference room which contains comment letters and minutes of open meetings. An appointment is required. Please contact Stacey Sutay, (203) 847-0700.