What it is
A review gives limited assurance from analytical procedures and inquiries. The common file problems are analytics without documented expectations, inquiries that skip fraud, going concern or subsequent events, and a representation letter dated differently from the report.
This checklist follows AR-C 60 and AR-C 90 in six parts, from acceptance and independence through the report and file. Independence is required for a review, so it is the first gate. SSARS No. 26 conforms AR-C 60 to the quality management standards, which the AICPA made effective December 15, 2025.
When to use it
- On every review engagement, before the report is released.
- When a staff member new to SSARS reviews performs the work.
- As preparation for an engagement review in peer review.
What’s inside
- Acceptance, terms, independence and nonattest services
- Understanding the entity and its records
- Analytical procedures with expectations
- Inquiries and other procedures
- Misstatements, representations and going concern
- Report content and file completion
Standard cited
This template follows AR-C 60 / AR-C 90. 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.
Questions
Can a CPA firm do a review if it prepared the financial statements?
Yes, if independence is not impaired. Bookkeeping and other nonattest services are allowed with safeguards under ET 1.295, and management must have suitable skill, knowledge or experience to oversee the service. Document the evaluation.
What must analytical procedures document?
The expectations developed, the differences identified, the inquiries made and management’s explanations, and the accountant’s evaluation of them. A comparison with the prior year that records no expectation and no conclusion does not show the procedure was performed.
How is a review different from a compilation?
A compilation gives no assurance and needs no analytical procedures or inquiries beyond reading the statements. A review gives limited assurance through analytical procedures and inquiries, and requires the accountant to be independent.
Related templates
- Review Engagement Letter (AR-C 90)
- Review Engagement Representation Letter (AR-C 90)
- Review Report (AR-C 90): Unmodified, with Modification Notes
- Review Engagement Analytics and Inquiry Workpaper (AR-C 90)
Last updated 11/05/2026. All free templates.