A 12-month period used for calculating annual financial statements, also called a financial year. A fiscal year need not match a calendar year.

For example, a reporting company must file a Form 10-Q after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters in its fiscal year. After the end of the company's fourth fiscal quarter, which is also the end of its fiscal year, the company must file an annual report on a Form 10-K.

For more information on filing requirements under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, see Practice Note, Regulation S-X: What Lawyers Need to Know.