(a) All statements, records, schedules, working papers, and memoranda made by a certified public accountant or public accountant incident to or in the course of professional service to clients by the accountant, except reports submitted by a certified public accountant or public accountant to a client, shall be and remain the property of the accountant in the absence of an express agreement between the accountant and the client to the contrary.
(b) No statement, record, schedule, working paper, or memorandum shall be sold, transferred, or bequeathed without the consent of the client or his or her personal representative or assignee to anyone other than one (1) or more surviving partners or new partners of the accountant or to his or her corporation or limited liability company.
(c) Each licensee shall retain working papers for a period of time specified by the Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy.