OUR JURISDICTION
The Office of the State Auditor is a constitutional office that is charged with overseeing more than $20 billion spent annually by local governments in Minnesota. The Office of the State Auditor does this by performing audits of local government financial statements and by reviewing documents, data, reports, and complaints reported to the Office. The financial information collected from local governments is analyzed and serves as the basis of statutory reports issued by the Office of the State Auditor. Our authority is defined in Chapter 6 of Minnesota Statutes.
OUR DIVISIONS
The Audit Practice Division performs approximately 150 financial and compliance audits and reviews approximately 400 single audits per year. This division establishes uniform reporting standards and provides technical assistance and education to local units of government, which strengthens accounting practices and promotes good government at the local level. Click here to see the Audit Practice Division's Frequently Asked Questions. If you're interested in contacting the Audit Practice Division, click here.
The Constitutional Office oversees all the activities of the Office of the State Auditor and its divisions and supports the State Auditor serving on six boards for the State. If you're interested in contacting the Constitutional Division, click here.
The Government Information Division collects and analyzes local government financial data, which is assembled in regular reports provided to the Legislature and the public. It also conducts a Best Practices Review of local government operations. The reports assist the Legislature with planning and policy-making decisions related to local governments. Click here to see the Government Information Division's Frequently Asked Questions. If you're interested in contacting the Government Information Division, click here.
The Legal/Special Investigations (SI) Division investigates allegations of theft or misuse of public funds. It also provides legal compliance information and training to local government officials and legal compliance expertise to staff within the Office of the State Auditor. Click here to see the Legal/Special Investigations Division's Frequently Asked Questions. If you're interested in contacting the Legal/Special Investigations Division, click here.
The Pension Division reviews investment, financial, and actuarial reporting for approximately 730 public pension plans. Its objective is to ensure compliance with state statutes governing the administration of plans covering approximately 20,000 members. Click here to see the Pension Division's Frequently Asked Questions. If you're interested in contacting the Pension Division, click here.
The Tax Increment Financing Division promotes legal compliance and accountability through examination and review of political subdivisions’ use of tax increment financing (TIF). The division reviews TIF plans and annual financial reports from approximately 2,100 TIF districts; responds to questions regarding tax increment financing from citizens and government officials; and provides training on compliance with state TIF laws. Click here to see the TIF Division's Frequently Asked Questions. If you're interested in contacting the TIF Division, click here.
FAQs
Who audits state agencies and constitutional offices?
The Office of the Legislative Auditor audits state agencies and constitutional offices.
Who audits individual income tax returns?
The Minnesota Department of Revenue audits individual income tax returns.
Who oversees Minnesota property taxes?
The Property Tax Division of the Minnesota Department of Revenue oversees the administration of Minnesota's property tax system.
Who oversees elections and school district levy referendums?
The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State oversees elections and school district levy referendums.
Who oversees nonprofit organizations and makes sure they are in compliance with state law?
The Charities Division of the Office of the Minnesota Attorney General handles many issues regarding nonprofit organizations.
Who regulates business in Minnesota?
The Minnesota Department of Commerce regulates and licenses many businesses in Minnesota.
