Can a CPA write a mortgage comfort letter for a lender?
A CPA may be able to send a narrow factual response, but the letter must not imply assurance that the CPA did not perform. Preparing a tax return does not make the CPA responsible for the borrower's creditworthiness, future income, solvency, or ability to repay a mortgage.
A defensible response usually stays in the factual lane: identify the engagement performed, identify the document or historical amount being referenced, state that no audit/review/verification was performed if that is true, and obtain client authorization before disclosing information to the lender.
If the lender wants assurance, the CPA should consider whether a separate SSARS, SSAE, or agreed-upon procedures engagement is appropriate. If the lender wants a repayment or future-income conclusion, the CPA should decline that wording because underwriting is the lender's responsibility.
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