Budget transparency refers to how openly and clearly governments present financial information to the public. Transparent budgets are accessible (available online, in libraries), comprehensive (showing all revenues and expenditures), understandable (using clear language and formats), timely (available before decisions are made), and accurate (reliably reflecting actual finances). High transparency allows citizens to understand how tax dollars are used, evaluate government priorities, and hold elected officials accountable. Many governments have improved budget transparency through online budget tools, citizen summaries, open data portals, and public engagement sessions. International standards and advocacy groups promote budget transparency as essential to democratic governance.