What it is
A report can be wrong in small ways that peer reviewers find: a date before the representation letter, a missing going concern paragraph, an emphasis paragraph pointing at the wrong note. This checklist is the last review of the report and the release steps around it.
It covers report content under AU-C 700 as amended, modified opinions under AU-C 705, emphasis and other-matter paragraphs under AU-C 706, going concern under AU-C 570, and the representation and governance communications that must be in place at release.
When to use it
- Before the engagement partner releases the report.
- When the report is modified, to confirm the basis section and opinion wording match.
- To support the engagement quality reviewer’s check of the report.
What’s inside
- Evidence and evaluation needed before forming the opinion
- Content of an unmodified report, section by section
- Qualified, adverse and disclaimer opinions
- Comparatives, supplementary information and special purpose frameworks
- Representation letter and governance communications
- Release steps and documentation completion date
Standard cited
This template follows AU-C 700 / 705 / 706 / 580. It is written in our own words, except for phrases the standard requires the document to contain, with [bracketed placeholders] for client details, amounts in USD and dates as MM/DD/YYYY. Check it against the current standard and your firm’s methodology before use. See AU-C 700 explained.
Questions
What date should the report carry?
The date on which the auditor has obtained sufficient appropriate audit evidence to support the opinion, including evidence that management has taken responsibility for the statements. It cannot be earlier than that date.
Does the representation letter need the same date?
The letter should be dated as of the date of the auditor’s report and cover all periods referred to in the report.
How long after release do we have to finish the file?
AU-C 230 requires the final audit file to be assembled on a timely basis, no later than 60 days following the report release date. After that, changes are limited to those AU-C 230 allows, and documented.
Related templates
- Independent Auditor's Report — Unmodified Opinion (AU-C 700)
- Management Representation Letter (AU-C 580)
- Communication With Those Charged With Governance (AU-C 260)
- Audit Completion and File Review Checklist (AU-C 230 / AU-C 700)
Last updated 11/05/2026. All free templates.