{"ok":true,"canonical_url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/fiscal-years","api_url":"https://dealroom.so/api/public/glossary/fiscal-years","data_freshness":{"sba_records_through":"2026-05-31","fdic_records_through":"2026-03-31","dealroom_last_updated":"2026-06-15","timezone":"America/Chicago"},"source_summary":["Public SBA 7(a) loan records","FDIC institution data","DealRoom lender and franchise enrichment"],"term":{"slug":"fiscal-years","term":"Fiscal years","group":"Reading the business","definition":"A 12-month accounting period a business uses for financial reporting and tax purposes. It doesn't always align with the calendar year.","what_it_means":"Always ask for financial statements and tax returns based on the business's fiscal year. This ensures consistency when analyzing trends and comparing performance. Be aware of any changes in fiscal year, as this can complicate financial analysis.","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/fiscal-years","official_sources":[],"related":[{"slug":"tax-return","term":"Tax return","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/tax-return"},{"slug":"profit-and-loss-statement","term":"Profit and Loss Statement","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/profit-and-loss-statement"},{"slug":"balance-sheet","term":"Balance Sheet","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/balance-sheet"}],"related_questions":[{"question":"What are the current fiscal year 2026 upfront guaranty fee rates for 7(a) loans?","url":"https://dealroom.so/for-lenders/questions/what-are-the-current-fiscal-year-2026-upfront-guaranty-fee-rates-for-7-a-loans"},{"question":"Does my business need to show consistent revenue over several years?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/does-my-business-need-to-show-consistent-revenue-over-several-years"},{"question":"Is it true that I need years of business experience to qualify?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/is-it-true-that-i-need-years-of-business-experience-to-qualify"},{"question":"What if my personal credit report shows a minor collection from several years ago?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/what-if-my-personal-credit-report-shows-a-minor-collection-from-several-years-ago"},{"question":"Does my business need to have been operating for a certain number of years?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/does-my-business-need-to-have-been-operating-for-a-certain-number-of-years"},{"question":"How many years do I typically have to repay an SBA 7(a) loan?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/how-many-years-do-i-typically-have-to-repay-an-sba-7-a-loan"}]},"caveats":["Definitions represent DealRoom's plain-English interpretation for buyers; verify regulatory terms against the official SBA and eCFR sources listed.","Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an SBA eligibility determination."],"citation":{"label":"DealRoom.so Glossary — Fiscal years","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/fiscal-years","source_type":"DealRoom Data"}}