In what situation, may a CPA not disclose information in the CPA’s work papers without the audit client’s permission?

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) may not disclose information in the CPA’s work papers without the audit client’s permission in the following situations:

1. Confidentiality: The CPA is bound by professional standards and laws to maintain the confidentiality of client information. This means that without the client's explicit permission, a CPA cannot disclose any information contained in the work papers.

2. Legal Proceedings: If the CPA is subpoenaed or otherwise legally required to produce work papers, the CPA may be able to resist such demands if the client does not give permission for the disclosure. However, this depends on the jurisdiction and specific legal circumstances.

3. Third-Party Requests: If a third party, such as a potential investor or lender, requests information from the CPA’s work papers, the CPA cannot disclose this information without the client's permission.

4. Regulatory Requests: If a regulatory body requests information from the CPA’s work papers, the CPA may be required to disclose this information. However, the CPA should seek the client's permission before doing so, unless the regulatory body has the authority to override the client's confidentiality rights.

5. Sale or Merger of CPA Practice: If the CPA is selling or merging their practice, they cannot disclose client information in the work papers to potential buyers or successors without the client's permission.

In all these situations, the CPA must respect the client's rights to confidentiality unless there is a legal or professional obligation that overrides these rights.