§ 68.1. Working Papers Defined; Retention.

(a) Working papers are the licensee's records of the procedures applied, the tests performed, the information obtained and the pertinent conclusions reached in an audit, review, compilation, tax, special report or other engagement. They include, but are not limited to, audit of other programs, analyses, memoranda, letters of confirmation and representations, abstracts of company documents and schedules or commentaries prepared or obtained by the licensee. The form of working papers may be handwriting, typewriting, printing, photocopying, photographing, computer, data, or any other letters, words, pictures, sounds, or symbols or combinations thereof.

(b) Licensees shall adopt reasonable procedures for the safe custody of working papers and shall retain working papers for a period sufficent to meet the needs of the licensee's practice and to satisfy applicable professional standards and pertinent legal requirements for record retention.

(c) Licensees shall retain working papers during the pendency of any Board investigation, disciplinary action, or other legal action involving the licensee. Licensees shall not dispose of such working papers until notified in writing by the Board of the closure of the investigation or until final disposition of the legal action or proceeding if no Board investigation is pending.

HISTORY

1. New section filed 2-26-96; operative 3-27-96 (Register 96, No. 9).

Note

Note: Authority: Sections 5010 and 5018, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 5018 and 5037, Business and Professions Code.