Final answer:
The twelve consecutive month period known as an annual reporting period is referred to as a fiscal year, often utilized by businesses and governments for budgeting and reporting.
Step-by-step explanation:
An annual reporting period consisting of twelve consecutive months is known as a fiscal year. Unlike a calendar year, which aligns with the January to December timeline, a fiscal year can start and end at any point as long as it covers a full twelve-month period. This is common in businesses and governments; for example, the federal budget in the United States is prepared for a fiscal year, which begins on October 1 and ends on September 30 the following year.