Tax Audits - DTC

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HARISH BHATIA (Querist)
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05 September 2024 Can CS and CMA Perform Tax Audits? Understanding the Implications of the New DTC Bill

With the anticipated introduction of the new Direct Tax Code (DTC), there's been a growing discussion around the potential inclusion of Company Secretaries (CS) and Cost and Management Accountants (CMA) as authorized professionals for conducting tax audits. Currently, Chartered Accountants (CA) are the only professionals permitted to perform this function under the Income Tax Act. However, if the new bill includes these changes, it could significantly alter the landscape of tax audits in India.

Key Points:
Proposed Changes Under the New DTC:
The DTC bill may extend tax audit powers to CS and CMA, broadening the scope for professionals beyond Chartered Accountants.
Impact on CAs:
The inclusion of CS and CMA could be viewed as a potential dilution of the exclusive rights currently enjoyed by CAs. It is expected that certain sections of the CA community may oppose this move, citing concerns over quality control and the level of expertise required for tax audits.
Industry Reactions:
There are mixed opinions within the professional ecosystem. Proponents argue that both CS and CMA professionals possess the necessary qualifications and knowledge to handle tax audits effectively. Others, particularly from the CA fraternity, may contest this, emphasizing the need for specialized accounting expertise.
Likelihood of Approval:
The passage of the DTC with these provisions is uncertain. While the government may push for broader professional inclusion to meet the growing demand for tax audit services, opposition from the CA community and debates on maintaining audit standards could slow down or alter the approval process.

Final Thoughts:
What do you think? Will these changes benefit the profession and the economy, or should tax audits remain the domain of Chartered Accountants only?

CA R SEETHARAMAN

CA R SEETHARAMAN (Expert)
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05 September 2024 As cost audit is with Cost accounts and company secretarial functions are with Company secretary no change is required for tax audit.
Let it be with CAs as confirmed by Supreme court of India.

HARISH BHATIA

HARISH BHATIA (Querist)
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06 September 2024 could you please provide the source sir

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Dhirajlal Rambhia

Dhirajlal Rambhia (Expert)
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19 October 2024 Supreme Court: In batch of writ petitions filed by Chartered Accountants challenging the validity of Clause 6 of Guidelines No.1 CA(7)/02/2008 dated 08-08-2008 issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (‘Institute’), under powers conferred by the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 ( ‘1949 Act’ ) on the ground that the same is illegal, arbitrary and violative of Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution of India, the Division Bench of B.V. Nagarathna* and Augustine George Masih, JJ. has held the following:
Clause 6.0, Chapter VI of the impugned Guidelines and its subsequent amendment is valid and is not violative of Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution as it is a reasonable restriction on the right to practice the profession by a Chartered Accountant and is protected or justifiable under Article 19(6) of the Constitution. However, the said clause 6.0, Chapter VI of the Guidelines and its subsequent amendment is deemed not to be given effect to till 01-04-2024.
All proceedings initiated pursuant to the impugned Guidelines in respect of the writ petitioners and other similarly situated Chartered Accountants stand quashed.
Institute was given the liberty to enhance the specified number of audits that a Chartered Accountant can undertake under Section 44AB of the IT Act, 1961, if it deems fit.
The writ petitioners or any other member of the Institute were given the liberty to represent in the above context, which may be considered if the Institute intends to amend the Guidelines....