How often must audit partners rotate according to Sarbanes-Oxley?

The correct answer is every five years, as mandated by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. This legislation was enacted in response to financial scandals that highlighted the need for improved standards in financial reporting and auditing. One of the key provisions is the requirement for audit partners to rotate every five years in order to maintain objectivity and independence in the audit process. This rotation helps to mitigate the risk of complacency and conflicts of interest that can arise when auditors work with the same clients over extended periods. By reassigning audit partners regularly, the act aims to enhance the integrity and reliability of financial statements, ultimately protecting shareholders and the public interest.

The other options suggest shorter or longer rotation periods, which do not align with the statutory requirements established by Sarbanes-Oxley.