A-133 Audit vs. Single Audit: What’s the Difference?

An A-133 Audit is the former name commonly used for what is now called a Single Audit.

If your organization receives federal funding, you may have heard the terms “A-133 Audit,” “Single Audit,” and “Uniform Guidance Audit.” While these terms are often used interchangeably, they do not refer to three separate types of audits.

SSL Associates provides Single Audit services to nonprofit organizations and other eligible entities receiving federal awards. We help organizations understand their responsibilities, prepare for the audit process, and meet applicable federal reporting requirements.

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A-133 Audit

What Is an A-133 Audit?

The terminology has changed, but the purpose remains similar: to determine whether an organization has properly managed federal awards and complied with the requirements attached to that funding.

An A-133 Audit was an audit performed under Office of Management and Budget Circular A-133. The circular established audit requirements for states, local governments, and nonprofit organizations receiving federal awards.

Although OMB Circular A-133 is no longer the current governing standard, many finance professionals, nonprofit leaders, grant administrators, and online searchers continue to use the term “A-133 Audit.”

Today, these audits are governed by the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards—commonly known as the Uniform Guidance.

Therefore, when someone asks whether an organization needs an A-133 Audit, they are usually asking whether it needs a Single Audit under the current Uniform Guidance requirements.

Is an A-133 Audit the Same as a Single Audit?

Not exactly—but the terms describe the historical and current versions of the same general federal audit framework.

An A-133 Audit refers to the former requirements under OMB Circular A-133. A Single Audit refers to the audit performed today under the Uniform Guidance.

In practical terms:

“A-133 Audit” is the older, commonly recognized name.
“Single Audit” is the current term.
“Uniform Guidance Audit” is another informal way of referring to an audit performed under 2 CFR Part 200.

Organizations searching for A-133 Audit services should now evaluate their obligations using the current Single Audit requirements and thresholds.

Who Is Required to Have a Single Audit?

A non-federal entity that expends $1 million or more in federal awards during its fiscal year generally must undergo a Single Audit or, in limited circumstances, a program-specific audit.

This requirement can apply to:

Nonprofit organizations
State and local governments
Institutions of higher education
Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations
Other qualifying non-federal entities receiving federal awards

The requirement is based on the amount of federal awards expended during the fiscal year—not simply the amount awarded, promised, or received.

Federal funding does not have to come directly from a federal agency. Funds received through a state government, local government, or another pass-through entity may still count toward the threshold if the organization is acting as a subrecipient of a federal award.

Payments received as a contractor for providing goods or services under a federal award are generally treated differently. Determining whether an organization is a recipient, subrecipient, or contractor is therefore an important part of evaluating its audit requirements.

What Is the Current Single Audit Threshold?

For fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2024, the Single Audit threshold is $1 million in federal awards expended during the fiscal year.

The previous $750,000 threshold applies to fiscal years beginning before October 1, 2024.

Fiscal year start date	Applicable threshold
Before October 1, 2024	$750,000
On or after October 1, 2024	$1,000,000

For example, an organization with a calendar fiscal year beginning January 1, 2025, generally becomes subject to the Single Audit requirement when it expends $1 million or more in qualifying federal awards during that year.

An organization below the federal threshold may still need another type of audit because of state requirements, grant agreements, lender requirements, organizational bylaws, or board policies.

Does Pass-Through Funding Count Toward the Threshold?

Yes, federal awards received through a pass-through entity may count toward the Single Audit threshold.

A nonprofit may receive funding from a state agency, municipality, school district, university, or another nonprofit without immediately realizing that the original source is a federal program.

Organizations should review their award documents for information such as:

The name of the federal awarding agency
The Assistance Listing number
The federal award identification number
The name of the pass-through entity
The amount of the federal award
The organization’s classification as a subrecipient or contractor

If the source of the funding is unclear, the organization should contact the awarding or pass-through entity before determining whether a Single Audit is required.

What Does a Single Audit Include?

A Single Audit combines an audit of the organization’s financial statements with additional procedures focused on federal awards.

The scope generally includes:

Financial Statement Audit

The auditor evaluates whether the organization’s financial statements are presented fairly, in all material respects, under the applicable financial reporting framework.

Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards

The organization must prepare a Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards, commonly called a SEFA. The SEFA identifies the federal programs under which the organization expended awards during the fiscal year.

Internal Controls Over Federal Programs

The auditor considers and tests internal controls related to the administration of federal awards. This may include controls over purchasing, payroll, eligibility, reporting, allowable costs, cash management, and subrecipient monitoring.

Compliance Testing

The auditor tests compliance with requirements that may have a direct and material effect on the organization’s major federal programs.

Prior Audit Findings

The auditor follows up on findings from prior audits and evaluates how the organization has addressed previously identified issues.

Audit Reporting

The reporting package may include opinions on the financial statements and major programs, reports on internal controls and compliance, and a schedule of findings and questioned costs when applicable.

Single Audits must be conducted under both the Uniform Guidance and Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards, commonly called Government Auditing Standards or the Yellow Book.

Single Audit vs. Financial Statement Audit

A Single Audit includes a financial statement audit, but it goes beyond the financial statements.

Financial statement audit	Single Audit
Focuses primarily on the financial statements	Covers financial statements and federal awards
Evaluates whether the statements are fairly presented	Also tests compliance for major federal programs
Performed under applicable auditing standards	Also performed under Government Auditing Standards
May be required by lenders, funders, bylaws, or state law	Generally triggered by the federal expenditure threshold
Does not automatically satisfy Single Audit requirements	Includes additional federal compliance reporting

A nonprofit may need a financial statement audit even when it does not meet the Single Audit threshold. Conversely, an organization meeting the federal threshold generally needs the broader Single Audit engagement.

What Documents Are Needed for a Single Audit?

Preparing complete, organized records can reduce delays and make the audit process more efficient.

Organizations should generally prepare:

Financial statements and general ledger records
A complete Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards
Federal award and grant agreements
Assistance Listing numbers
Pass-through entity information
Grant revenue and expenditure reconciliations
Payroll records and time-allocation support
Vendor invoices and purchasing documentation
Procurement policies and records
Cash management records
Subrecipient agreements and monitoring documentation
Internal control policies
Federal financial and performance reports
Prior-year audit reports
A summary of prior audit findings
Corrective action plans, when applicable

The exact request will vary based on the organization, its federal programs, the applicable Compliance Supplement, and the auditor’s risk assessment.

When Is a Single Audit Due?

The audit and reporting package generally must be submitted to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse by the earlier of:

30 calendar days after the organization receives the auditor’s reports; or
Nine months after the end of the audit period.

For example, an organization with a December 31 fiscal year-end would generally have a September 30 submission deadline, unless the 30-day requirement results in an earlier deadline.

Waiting until the fiscal year has ended to engage an auditor can create unnecessary pressure. Organizations expecting to meet the threshold should begin planning early.

How to Prepare for an A-133 or Single Audit

Preparation should begin with an accurate assessment of federal expenditures.

Start by:

Identifying all direct and pass-through federal awards.
Confirming whether each payment represents a federal award or a contractor payment.
Reconciling grant activity to the general ledger.
Preparing and reviewing the SEFA.
Organizing grant agreements and supporting documentation.
Reviewing internal controls over federal programs.
Evaluating compliance with award requirements.
Reviewing prior findings and documenting corrective action.
Engaging a qualified auditor before the reporting deadline approaches.

Organizations should pay particular attention to new federal programs, staff turnover, undocumented procedures, late reconciliations, incomplete subrecipient monitoring, and inconsistencies between financial records and reports submitted to funders.

Speak with a Single Audit CPA

If your organization receives federal awards and may be approaching the $1 million expenditure threshold, early planning can help prevent missed deadlines and last-minute complications.

SSL Associates can help you determine the appropriate audit engagement and guide your organization through the Single Audit process.

Single Audit Services from SSL Associates

Federal funding brings opportunities, but it also creates detailed accounting, compliance, and reporting responsibilities.

SSL Associates works with nonprofit organizations and other eligible entities to provide Single Audits designed around their funding structure and reporting needs.

Our services include:

Audit planning based on your organization’s federal awards
Financial statement and SEFA auditing
Evaluation of internal controls over federal programs
Testing of compliance requirements for major programs
Follow-up on prior audit findings
Clear communication throughout the engagement
Preparation of the required auditor reports
Coordination through completion of the reporting process

Our goal is to make the audit process organized, understandable, and efficient while maintaining the independence and professional standards required of the engagement.

Why Work with SSL Associates?

Experience with Nonprofit Organizations

Our team understands the financial reporting, internal control, and compliance challenges nonprofit organizations face as they grow and receive more complex funding.

Clear Audit Planning

We explain what will be needed, establish a practical timeline, and identify potential issues early in the process.

Responsive Communication

You will know what stage the audit is in, what information remains outstanding, and what the next steps will be.

Practical Recommendations

When an issue is identified, we explain why it matters and provide clear recommendations your organization can use to strengthen its processes.

Nationwide Service

SSL Associates is based in the Chicago area and serves organizations throughout the United States.

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Why Opt for Our A-133 Single Audit Services?

Here are only some of the compelling reasons to choose SSL Associates:

Decades of Expertise

With 38 years of specialized experience, our experienced professionals ensure thorough evaluations and actionable insights.

Tailored Methodology

We craft our audit methodologies to perfectly align with the distinct objectives of your organization to ensure an effective and streamlined audit experience.

Dedicated Support

Our team is dedicated to delivering unparalleled support, placing a premium on your goals.

Transparent Collaboration

Count on transparent and candid communication throughout the Single Audit process, ensuring your active involvement and understanding at every juncture.

Hear It from Our Clients

SSL Associates made this year’s audit a smooth, low-stress process. Their team was organized, responsive, and communicated clearly every step of the way. We also appreciated their ability to walk us through any questions that came up during the audit, making everything easy to understand. We appreciate their support and look forward to working with them in the future.TPS Prepaid Group, LLC

SSL Associates has been a trusted advisor to Wenzak for many years. Their knowledge and valuable insights around tax and reporting impacts of business issues has helped us to navigate key decisions and stay focused on our core business. We greatly appreciate the personal approach and responsiveness of the entire team.

When we started the not-for-profit youth travel soccer club, we quickly grew large enough that we are required to be audited by an independent accounting firm each year. We have used SSL Associates Ltd. for the past seven years and couldn’t be happier with their services. SSL also helped us make improvements to our Quickbooks so that the Audit is now very efficient. Their responsiveness and expertise in non-profit accounting has enabled our staff to stay focused on our mission of providing a competitive and positive learning environment to develop our players both on and off the field.

As the owner-operator of a construction company, my hours are spent focusing on the operational aspects of our business. Managing our year-end financials was an unwelcome challenge that was a large drain on my time. Having SSL Associates, Ltd. freed me to focus my attention where it best served my company, and gave me peace of mind that our accounting would be done accurately, professionally, and on time. Their ability to work hand in hand with our accounting department allows us to tackle problems as they arise throughout the year to ensure all tax & financial reporting deliverables are free of any last-minute headaches

SSL Associates, Ltd. has been an invaluable resource for our youth hockey non-profit organization. Their team’s expertise in tax compliance and financial reporting has been instrumental in ensuring transparency and accountability to our many families, donors and stakeholders. Their commitment to excellence and their deep understanding of the non-profit sector have made them an indispensable part of our success and a valued partner that we trust and rely on for their guidance.

We’re Here to Help You

Reach out to SSL Associates now and learn about our tailored Single Audit solutions that are designed to propel your organization toward success.

We’re Here to Help You

Reach out to SSL Associates now and learn about our tailored Single Audit solutions that are designed to propel your organization toward success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an A-133 Audit still required?

The term “A-133 Audit” refers to requirements that were previously contained in OMB Circular A-133. Organizations now follow the Single Audit requirements established under the Uniform Guidance.

What triggers a Single Audit?

A Single Audit is generally required when an eligible non-federal entity expends $1 million or more in federal awards during a fiscal year beginning on or after October 1, 2024.

Is the threshold based on federal funds received or spent?

The requirement is generally based on federal awards expended during the fiscal year, not simply the amount received.

Do federal funds received through a state agency count?

They may. Federal awards received through a state, local government, or other pass-through entity generally count when the organization is a subrecipient.

Do organizations below $1 million need an audit?

They are generally exempt from the federal Single Audit requirement, but another audit may still be required by state law, a grant agreement, a lender, the organization’s bylaws, or its board.

Can an organization have a program-specific audit instead?

In limited situations, an organization that expends federal awards under only one federal program may qualify for a program-specific audit. The eligibility requirements should be reviewed with a qualified auditor.