Plain Language

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What We’ll Deliver: Writing You Can Understand

The U.S. General Services Administration is committed to writing all of our new and substantially revised documents and public web content in plain language.

We’ll use plain language in any document that:

  • Is used to obtain any of our benefits or services, or for filing taxes;
  • Provides information about any of our benefits or services; or
  • Explains how to comply with a requirement that we administer or enforce.

Plain Writing Act of 2010

The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires all federal agencies to write "clear government communication that the public can understand and use." Former President Obama also emphasized the importance of establishing "a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration" in his January 21, 2009, Memorandum on Transparency and Open Government.

Resources

Plain Writing Act of 2010

Federal Plain Language Guidelines

Give Feedback and Help Us

You can help us to meet our plain language goals by letting us know when you need more help.

Please read our implementation plan [PDF - 72 KB] and provide feedback. We want to know what you think.

Contact Plain Language Launcher Katherine Spivey.

Annual Report and Progress Statements:

Last Reviewed: 2023-04-10