The article studies the theoretical basis and practical approaches to formation of fiscal policy in terms of state economic processes management. It is noted that the state fiscal policy at any stage of the development of society plays a significant role, especially in conditions of economic and social instability. Processes of transformation of system of state management determine the formation and evolution of fiscal policy in the economic development of the country. The attention is also focused on the ambiguity of the interpretation of the definition of fiscal policy in scientific research of domestic and foreign authors. It is proposed to consider the concept of "fiscal policy" in a broad and narrow sense (from the point of signs of an objective and subjective order; economic content and forms of manifestation, etc.). The optimal choice of an approach to the formation and implementation of fiscal policy requires considering the influence of exogenous and endogenous factors that determine the process of decision-making. The reforms carried out in Russia and, as a result, socio-economic transformations need in strengthening of the economic situation and increasing of the level of public confidence in government decisions and programs of their support. In these conditions, the flexibility of the state fiscal policy in relation to external factors and the ability of the authorities to transform and adjust it, taking into account the processes taking place inside the country, becomes extremely important.