What it is
The plan administrator signs the representation letter on the date of the auditor’s report. It confirms what the audit evidence cannot: that the plan was run under its document, that all parties in interest and prohibited transactions were disclosed, that late deposits were corrected and that participant data is complete.
This template follows AU-C 580 and adds the plan-specific representations: plan document and amendments, tax-qualified status, nondiscrimination testing, fidelity bond, fair value, service organization reports, the Form 5500, and a bracketed set for a 103(a)(3)(C) certification.
When to use it
- At the end of fieldwork on a 401(k), 403(b), profit-sharing or other benefit plan audit.
- When the plan uses a limited-scope audit with a certification from a bank or insurance company.
- When adding plan-specific points to a general management representation letter.
What’s inside
- General AU-C 580 representations on completeness, fraud, related parties, litigation, subsequent events and estimates
- Plan operations and compliance: plan document, party-in-interest, prohibited transactions, timely deposits, testing, bond
- Participant data and eligibility
- Investments, fair value, the optional certification wording and service organization reports
- Form 5500 representations and signature block for the plan administrator
Standard cited
This template follows AU-C 580 / AU-C 703. 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 580 explained.
Questions
Who signs a plan’s representation letter?
Those with primary responsibility for the plan, usually the plan administrator or the plan sponsor’s chief executive and chief financial officer. The letter goes on the plan or sponsor letterhead.
What date does it carry?
The date of the auditor’s report, and it covers all periods the report mentions.
What if management will not sign?
The auditor considers whether it can still rely on management’s other representations and the effect on the report, including a possible disclaimer. AU-C 580 sets the response.
Related templates
- Management Representation Letter (AU-C 580)
- Review Engagement Representation Letter (AR-C 90)
- Audit Program: Debt and Equity
Last updated 11/05/2026. All free templates.