What Services Does a Chartered Accountant Offer?
A Chartered Accountant's role goes far beyond simple tax filing. Broadly, CA services fall into five categories:
Tax services — ITR filing, tax planning, notice handling
GST services — registration, return filing, audits
Business registration & compliance — company incorporation, ROC filings
Audit services — statutory, internal, and tax audits
Advisory services — Virtual CFO, business valuation, funding support
Whatever your specific need — individual, freelancer, startup, or established business — there's a CA service designed for it. Let's break each one down.
Tax-Related CA Services
Income Tax Return (ITR) Filing
This is the most commonly searched CA service. A CA ensures your ITR is filed accurately, on time, and with all eligible deductions claimed — whether you're a salaried individual, freelancer, or business owner with multiple income sources.
Tax Planning & Advance Tax
Good CAs don't wait until March to think about your taxes. They help you plan investments, deductions, and advance tax payments throughout the year to legally minimize your tax liability.
Income Tax Notice / Scrutiny Assistance
Received an income tax notice? CAs handle notice replies, represent you during scrutiny assessments, and resolve discrepancies with the tax department on your behalf.
Tax Audit (Section 44AB)
Businesses and professionals crossing specific turnover thresholds are legally required to get a tax audit done. A CA conducts this audit and files the required audit report.
GST-Related CA Services
GST Registration
If your business crosses the GST threshold (or you want to register voluntarily), a CA handles the entire registration process, including document preparation and follow-up with authorities.
Monthly/Quarterly GST Return Filing
This is an ongoing compliance requirement — CAs manage GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, and other applicable returns so you never miss a deadline or face late fees.
GST Audit & Reconciliation
For larger businesses, GST audits and reconciliation between books and GST returns are essential to avoid mismatches that trigger notices.
GST Notice Handling
Similar to income tax notices, GST notices for mismatches or discrepancies require professional handling — a CA drafts responses and represents your case.
Business Registration & Compliance Services
Private Limited Company Registration
CAs manage the full incorporation process: name approval, Digital Signature Certificate (DSC), Director Identification Number (DIN), and filing with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
LLP Registration
For businesses preferring a Limited Liability Partnership structure, CAs handle LLP agreement drafting and registration formalities.
Partnership Firm Registration
Simpler than a company or LLP, but still benefits from professional handling to ensure the partnership deed and registration are legally sound.
Annual ROC Compliance
Registered companies must file annual returns and financial statements with the Registrar of Companies (ROC) — missing these deadlines results in penalties, which a CA helps you avoid entirely.
Audit Services
Statutory Audit
Legally mandatory for companies beyond certain thresholds — only a practicing CA can conduct and sign off on a statutory audit.
Internal Audit
Even when not legally required, internal audits help businesses identify process inefficiencies, control weaknesses, and fraud risks proactively.
Stock Audit
Common for businesses with significant inventory (especially those with bank credit lines), stock audits verify inventory records against physical stock for lender compliance.
Accounting & Bookkeeping Services
Monthly Bookkeeping Outsourcing
Many small businesses outsource their entire bookkeeping to a CA firm — ensuring clean, audit-ready records year-round instead of a year-end scramble.
Financial Statement Preparation
CAs prepare Profit & Loss statements, Balance Sheets, and Cash Flow statements — essential for loans, investor discussions, and internal decision-making.
Payroll & TDS Compliance
Beyond salaries, this includes TDS deduction, PF/ESI compliance, and quarterly TDS return filing — all commonly bundled into CA accounting service packages.
Advisory & Specialized CA Services
Virtual CFO Services
A growing service category — instead of hiring a full-time CFO, growing businesses hire a CA firm on retainer for strategic financial planning, cash flow management, and investor reporting at a fraction of the cost.
NRI Taxation Services
NRIs dealing with Indian property, investments, or income need specialized tax handling, including DTAA (Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement) benefits — a service niche many general accountants don't handle well.
Business Valuation
Needed for mergers, acquisitions, fundraising, or even internal restructuring — CAs conduct formal business valuations following recognized methodologies.
Loan & Funding Documentation Support
Banks and investors often require CA-certified financial documents before approving loans or investments — CAs prepare and certify these as needed.
How Much Do CA Services Cost? (Price Ranges by Service)
While exact fees vary by firm, city, and complexity, here's a general framework for what to expect:
Service Typical Fee Structure
Individual ITR filing One-time, low-cost fee
GST registration One-time fee, often bundled with initial return filing
Monthly GST/accounting retainer Fixed monthly fee based on transaction volume
Company incorporation One-time fee + government charges
Statutory audit Based on company turnover and complexity
Virtual CFO retainer Monthly retainer based on scope of work
Always request an itemized quote — reputable CA firms are transparent about pricing before you commit.
How to Choose the Right CA Service Provider
Match the service to their specialization — some CAs focus on individual tax filing, others on corporate audit or startup advisory.
Check ICAI registration and Certificate of Practice.
Ask about industry experience relevant to your business type.
Compare pricing transparently — avoid vague quotes.
Evaluate communication and turnaround time during your first interaction.
Check if they offer bundled services (e.g., GST + accounting + ITR) if you need multiple things done.
Online CA Services vs Traditional CA Firms
Online CA service platforms have grown significantly, offering:
Faster turnaround for
