Overview

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) is an independent, nonpartisan agency that works for Congress. Often called the "congressional watchdog," GAO examines how taxpayer dollars are spent and provides Congress and federal agencies with objective, reliable information to help the government save money and work more efficiently.

For example, we identified $214.7 billion in financial benefits in fiscal year 2019—a return of about $338 for every $1 invested in us. We also identified 1,418 other benefits that led to program and operational improvements across the government. Read the press release about these record numbers.

Our processes for reports, testimonies, and legal decisions; how we serve Congress; and our role as an audit institution.

Get to know the Comptroller General, head of the GAO, and learn how he interacts with Congress to serve the American people.

Whether you are a citizen or a member of the media, you can find our public information here.

Want to work at what has been named one of the “Best Places to Work in the Federal Government”?

Learn about our role in the government, plus our history, performance, mission and legal authorities.

Have a question? Need an expert? Connect with us here.

Check out our video about GAO.