Plain Writing Act of 2010


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

The PCLOB is committed to writing new documents in plain language using the Federal Plain Language Guidelines. Email us at info@pclob.gov.

The PCLOB annually trains our employees. Plain language is required in any document that:

  • Is necessary for obtaining any federal government benefit or service or filing taxes.
  • Provides information about any federal government benefit or service.
  • Explains to the public how to comply with a requirement that the federal government administers or enforces.
  • The PCLOB is committed to using plain language in our public communications and correspondence.

Agency Designations

All PCLOB employees have completed Plain Writing Act training. The General Counsel serves as the Senior Official for Plain Writing.


PCLOB's 2023 Plain Writing Act Compliance Report, Filed April 23, 2024

PCLOB's 2023 Plain Writing Act Compliance Report, Filed April 24, 2023

PCLOB's 2022 Plain Writing Act Compliance Report, Filed April 13, 2022

PCLOB's 2021 Plain Writing Act Compliance Report, Filed April 13, 2021

PCLOB’s 2020 Plain Writing Act Compliance Report, Filed April 6, 2020

PCLOB’s 2019 Plain Writing Act Compliance Report, Filed April 13, 2019

PCLOB’s 2018 Plain Writing Act Compliance Report, Filed April 13, 2018

PCLOB’s 2017 Plain Writing Act Compliance Report, Filed April 13, 2017

PCLOB’s 2016 Plain Writing Act Compliance Report, Filed April 13, 2016