How to Choose a CA or Tax Consultant for Your Business or Family
By the TownTrove team
Income tax returns, GST filings, company registration and loan paperwork all need someone you can trust with sensitive information. A good accountant does more than file forms. They help you avoid penalties and plan ahead.
CA, tax practitioner or bookkeeper
A Chartered Accountant (CA) is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and is required for work such as statutory audits. For simple tax returns and GST filings, many people use tax practitioners or accountants. Match the professional to the work you need.
Verify before you share documents
- For a CA, ask for the membership number and check it on the ICAI website.
- Prefer professionals with an office address you can visit.
- Ask which kinds of clients they mostly serve: salaried people, shops, startups or exporters.
Agree on scope and fees
Ask for a written list of what is included: number of filings, response to tax notices, bookkeeping, and meetings. Many professionals charge a fixed yearly fee for small businesses. Know what counts as extra work before it happens.
Stay in control of your accounts
You will need to share PAN, bank statements and sometimes logins for the income tax or GST portal. Change the passwords after filing season if possible, and make sure OTPs come to your own phone number. Ask for a copy of every return filed and its acknowledgement.
Watch out for
- Promises of a very large refund without understanding your income.
- Advice to hide income or create fake expenses.
- Reluctance to share copies of what was filed in your name.