Which statement about the workfile is true?

• A. It may be posted on the Internet
• B. It is not required to be maintained
• C. It must be kept confidential and reasonably available
• D. It should be accessible to the client upon request

Answer: (C)

The workfile is a confidential record of the appraisal assignment that documents the data, analyses, and conclusions. USPAP requires that the appraiser develop and maintain this file for each assignment and keep it confidential, while making it reasonably available to the client and others who have a right to review it. This means it should not be posted publicly or on the Internet, but the client should be able to access it upon request, subject to appropriate safeguards. The statement that best reflects this balance is that the workfile must be kept confidential and reasonably available.