Strengthening ITC Claims through Accurate Documentation

Input Tax Credit (ITC) is a key feature of India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) system. It enables registered taxpayers to reduce their tax liability by claiming credit for the GST paid on purchases or expenses incurred in the course of business. To claim ITC lawfully and accurately, specific conditions must be met and proper documentation must be maintained. A registered person, including an Input…

Inside the AI Powered Hunt for Fraudulent Tax Claim

The Income Tax Department has launched a nationwide drive to crack down on large-scale manipulation, where false claims of deductions have been identified and are currently under scruty. Tax authorities are leveraging multiple databases with the help of Artificial Intelligence to detect and investigate these discrepancies. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) states that while the primary focus is on deductions related to fake…

Financially Fit for the Market: How to Prepare for Your IPO Debut

Taking a company public through an Initial Public Offering (IPO) is a major milestone. While much attention is given to strategic, legal, and commercial factors, financial and accounting preparedness is equally vital to ensure a smooth and successful listing process. Outlined below are the key accounting and compliance areas that companies must address before embarking on their IPO journey: 1. Preparation of Restated Financial Statements…

A Critical Component of Financial Planning – The Up-to-Date Personal Balance Sheet

Understanding your true financial position is the foundation of smart money management in today’s fast-paced world. It’s no longer enough to simply budget and save— clarity begins with knowing exactly where you stand financially at any given moment. One of the most effective tools to gain this insight is a personal balance sheet. Although many individuals track monthly expenses or monitor credit card bills, few…

GST Rate Rationalisation: A Step Towards Simplified Taxation

Since its rollout in 2017, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has seen several structural refinements. One of the most anticipated reforms currently under discussion is GST rate rationalisation, aimed at simplifying the tax structure and addressing long-standing concerns from industry stakeholders. How GST is Currently Structured Currently, the GST regime consists of four primary tax slabs—5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%—along with exempted and zero-rated…

The Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS): What Every Indian Resident Needs to Know

Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS) was introduced in 2004 by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as a liberalization measure to facilitate resident individuals to remit funds abroad for permitted current or capital account transactions or combination of both. The Regulations are amended by the RBI from time to time to incorporate the changes in the regulatory framework. Remittance Limit under LRS: Under the LRS, the…

Seamless Employee Transitions in Accounting: A Practical Guide for Firms and Finance Teams

In the accounting profession, where accuracy, compliance, and timeliness are paramount, employee transitions can significantly impact both operations and reputation. Whether the change occurs within an accounting firm or a company’s internal finance team, managing the process thoughtfully is essential to avoid disruptions and ensure continuity. Employee movements —such as resignations, internal transfers, extended leaves, or new hires—are a natural part of any organization. However,…

Understanding the FLA Return: Applicability, Filing Process and Penalties

What is FLA Return? The Foreign Liabilities and Asset (FLA) Return is an annual return filed with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), based on the applicability of certain provisions under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA). Applicability of the Annual FLA Return The annual FLA Return must be submitted by entities that have received Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and/or made overseas investments (FDI abroad)…

CBDT Pushes Income Tax Return Filing to Mid-September for AY 2025-26

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has granted taxpayers a welcome breather by extending the income tax return filing deadline from 31st July 2025 to 15th September 2025. In the past, deadline extensions have been granted for various reasons, often following persistent representations had to be made in past by professional bodies and industry associations. While exceptional situations like the COVID-19 pandemic & natural…

Safeguarding Data, Upholding Trust: A CA Firm’s Core Duty

As the guardians of financial integrity, Chartered Accountancy (CA) firms hold a dual responsibility — delivering expert financial guidance while safeguarding highly sensitive client information. From financial statements and tax records to business contracts and customer databases, the data the firm manages is invaluable. If mishandled, it can lead to severe consequences for clients and cause lasting damage to a firm’s credibility and trustworthiness. Why…