Fact-check notes
Last fact-checked: 2026-06-04
Income-tax, TDS, advance tax, deduction and notice positions should be verified against the active assessment year, e-filing utility, AIS/Form 26AS, TRACES data and current circulars before filing.
This page is preparation guidance. Ask the expert to verify active law, portal forms, notifications and your documents before filing, signing or paying.
What ca for startups covers
CA for Startups should reflect how startups earn, bill, spend, invest and maintain records. A generic checklist often misses profession-specific TDS, GST, expense and compliance points.
- Startups may have salary, professional fees, business income, retainers, reimbursements, capital gains or foreign income depending on facts.
- CA scope should separate filing, advisory, bookkeeping, GST, TDS, notices and ongoing compliance.
- AIS/Form 26AS, bank statements, invoices, contracts and expense proof should be reconciled before filing.
- Ask whether the expert has handled the same profession before and can explain the required records clearly.
Who this is for
- Startups comparing experts.
- Taxpayer with mixed salary, professional or business income.
- Professional receiving TDS or GST queries.
- Person preparing for loan, visa, audit or notice response.
Documents and details to prepare
- Income invoices, salary slips, retainers or commission statements.
- AIS/Form 26AS, bank statements and investment records.
- Expense bills, contracts, GST/TDS data and prior returns.
- Notices, deadlines and specific output expected.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using the wrong ITR or GST treatment because the profession label sounds simple.
- Missing reimbursed expenses, commission, retainers or foreign receipts.
- Claiming expenses without proof.
- Not reconciling TDS and bank credits.
How to brief the expert
- Mention profession, income streams, city, year and deadline.
- Share prior returns, AIS/Form 26AS, bank and invoice summaries.
- Ask for form selection, tax/GST/TDS treatment and record gaps.
- Save the computation and advice note for future scrutiny.
FAQs
Why does startups need a specific page?
Different professions have different income patterns, expense records, GST/TDS issues and filing risks.
Can WorkIndex help find a specialist?
Yes. Post your profession, income streams and documents so relevant experts can quote accurately.
Is this tax advice?
No. It is a preparation guide; your expert should verify your facts and current law.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the audit and accounting requirements for businesses dealing with CA for Startups?
Businesses involving CA for Startups must maintain proper books of accounts under Section 44AA. A tax audit under Section 44AB is mandatory if turnover exceeds ₹1 crore (or ₹10 crore for digital operations).
2. Why is a UDIN mandatory for CA certifications related to CA for Startups?
All CA-certified financial statements, net worth certificates, or audit reports for CA for Startups must carry a Unique Document Identification Number (UDIN) generated on the ICAI portal to be legally valid.
3. What is the due date for submitting the Tax Audit report?
The due date to file the tax audit report on the income tax portal is September 30 of the Assessment Year (one month prior to the ITR filing due date of October 31 for audited cases).
4. What is the penalty for not getting books of accounts audited?
Under Section 271B, failure to get books audited u/s 44AB attracts a penalty of 0.5% of the total sales, turnover, or gross receipts, subject to a maximum cap of ₹1.5 lakh (₹150,000).
5. What is UDIN and why is it mandatory for CAs?
UDIN (Unique Document Identification Number) is a unique 18-digit number generated by Chartered Accountants on the ICAI portal for every certificate, audit report, and document they sign, to prevent forgery and verify CA credentials.
6. What happens if a CA fails to generate a UDIN?
Documents signed by a CA without a UDIN are treated as invalid. If not generated within the 60-day window, the CA can face disciplinary action from the ICAI for professional misconduct.
7. What is a Statutory Audit under the Companies Act, 2013?
A statutory audit is a mandatory review of a company's financial records to verify they present a true and fair view. It is compulsory for all companies (Private Limited, Public, OPC) regardless of turnover or capital.
8. What is a Secretarial Audit under Section 204?
A secretarial audit is an audit of compliance with corporate, securities, and labor laws, conducted by a practicing Company Secretary (CS) who submits Form MR-3. It is mandatory for listed and large public/borrowing unlisted companies.
9. What are the thresholds for a mandatory Secretarial Audit?
Secretarial audit is mandatory for: (1) Listed companies. (2) Public companies with paid-up capital >= ₹50 crore or turnover >= ₹250 crore. (3) Any company with outstanding bank/public financial institution loans >= ₹100 crore.
10. What is CARO (Companies Auditor's Report Order)?
CARO is a set of compliance items that statutory auditors of companies must report on, covering areas like fixed assets, inventory verification, loans to related parties, statutory dues, and internal control structures.
11. Are LLPs required to undergo audits?
Under the LLP Act, 2008, an LLP must get its accounts audited if its annual turnover exceeds ₹40 lakh or if its partner contributions exceed ₹25 lakh.
12. What is an Internal Audit? Who is required to appoint an internal auditor?
An internal audit evaluates a company's risk management and internal controls. Under Section 138 of the Companies Act, listed companies and unlisted public/private companies crossing specific turnover or debt thresholds must appoint an internal auditor.
13. What is the difference between Form 3CA and Form 3CB?
Form 3CA is the audit report used when the business is already required to get its accounts audited under another law (like the Companies Act). Form 3CB is used when the audit is required solely under the Income Tax Act.
14. What is Form 3CD?
Form 3CD is a detailed statement of particulars containing 44 clauses that the tax auditor must complete, detailing business income, expenses, depreciation, MSME dues, TDS compliance, and tax adjustments.
15. Can a tax audit report be revised after uploading?
Yes, a tax audit report can be revised if there are changes in the accounts (like corporate restructuring) or adjustments due to subsequent notifications, certified by the same CA with a fresh UDIN.