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Inquiry letter types, accountants' responses, and audit fees: Evidence from China

Author

Listed:
  • Weidong Zhang
  • Hongrui Zheng
  • Jenny Jing Wang
  • Zihuang Chen
  • Zhenghan Luo

Abstract

This study examines the impact of various types of inquiry letters on audit pricing using samples from Shenzhen and Shanghai listed companies during the 2015–2020 period. We found that the audit fees for receiving financial report inquiry letters were higher than those for receiving non‐financial ones. In particular, when the entity being audited received annual report inquiry letters concerning internal control and requested the accounting firm to verify and respond, the audit fees for that company for the following year were higher. This study identified the mechanisms by which inquiry letters affect certified public accountant (CPA) charges.

Suggested Citation

  • Weidong Zhang & Hongrui Zheng & Jenny Jing Wang & Zihuang Chen & Zhenghan Luo, 2025. "Inquiry letter types, accountants' responses, and audit fees: Evidence from China," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 65(2), pages 1753-1785, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:acctfi:v:65:y:2025:i:2:p:1753-1785
    DOI: 10.1111/acfi.13385
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    References listed on IDEAS

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