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The fiscal year for the federal government begins on Oct. 1 of each year and ends on Sept. 30 of the following year; it is designated by the calendar year in which it ends. For example, fiscal year 2011 began Oct. 1, 2010, and ended Sept. 30, 2011.
SOURCE: U.S. Government Accountability Office
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See all terms in the National Debt Glossary
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