This draft edition of the revised Government Finance Statistics Manual 2001 describes the macroeconomic statistical framework (the GFS framework) designed to support fiscal analysis. The manual provides the economic and statistical reporting principles to be used in compiling the statistics and guidelines for the presentation of fiscal statistics within an analytic framework that includes appropriate balancing items.

The revised guidelines have been harmonized with the updates in other macroeconomic statistical manuals and guides, such as the overarching System of National Accounts 2008, (2008 SNA) and the Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual 6th ed., and Public Sector Debt Statistics: Guide for Compilers and Users.

The revised manuals and guides address important international economic developments in recent years and take into account improved recording and methodological treatments of various events. The changes to GFSM 2001 incorporated in this draft manual can broadly be summarized as methodological changes agreed to in the update of 2008 SNA, clarifications on existing methodological guidelines, presentational changes, and a limited number of editorial changes. This draft includes the core chapters of the updated manual—Appendixes to these Chapters will be released shortly. For ease of reference, a detailed table of contents is included for each chapter. Cross-references between chapters are pending finalization of the text.

Please provide comments on these draft chapters by March 15, 2013 and for the appendices we would appreciate receiving comments by April 15, 2013. Suggestions on the flow of topics, consistency and adequacy of topics covered, omissions or suggestions for additional topics to be covered, and editorial suggestions are welcome. Please send your comments and suggestions to STAGOGFSM@imf.org, with a clear reference to the paragraph numbers to which comments relate. Also, please provide your contact details to allow us to discuss your comments with you, if needed.

Table of Contents

Foreword. (coming soon)

Preface. (coming soon)

Chapter 1. Introduction

Chapter 2. Institutional Units and Sectors

Chapter 3. Flows, Stock Positions, and Accounting Rules

Chapter 4. The Analytic Framework

   Annex to Chapter 4. Using GFS for Fiscal Analysis

Chapter 5. Revenue

Chapter 6. Expense

   Annex to Chapter 6. Classifications of Functions of Government (COFOG)

Chapter 7. The Balance Sheet

Chapter 8. Transactions in Nonfinancial Assets

Chapter 9. Transactions in Financial Assets and Liabilities

Chapter 10. Other Economic Flows

Appendices.