Who must follow GAAP?

Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) must be followed by publicly traded companies in the United States, as they are required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to ensure consistency and transparency in financial reporting. Additionally, other organizations, such as non-profits and private companies, may choose to follow GAAP to enhance credibility with stakeholders. While not mandated for all entities, adhering to GAAP can facilitate better decision-making and comparability across financial statements.