Best Accounting & Auditing Lawyers in Surendranagar

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Surendranagar, India

Founded in 1950
English
Established in 1950, Paras K. Shah Associates has built a distinguished reputation for delivering comprehensive legal services with a focus on property matters. The firm's team possesses in-depth knowledge of substantive laws, including Contract Law, Specific Relief Act, Land Revenue Act, RERA,...
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About Accounting & Auditing Law in Surendranagar, India

Accounting and auditing obligations in Surendranagar are governed primarily by Indian national laws and professional standards, with certain state-specific compliances administered in Gujarat. Whether you operate a small manufacturing unit in Wadhwan, a trading firm in Limbdi, a salt or ceramic enterprise, an agricultural cooperative, or a non-profit trust, you must maintain proper books of account, meet periodic filing schedules, and submit to audits where mandated by law or contract.

Audits in India are generally performed by Chartered Accountants registered with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. Statutory audits for companies are governed by the Companies Act, 2013 and Standards on Auditing issued by ICAI. Tax audits fall under the Income-tax Act, 1961. Goods and Services Tax compliance, including possible departmental audits, is governed by the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 and the Gujarat State GST provisions. Entities like LLPs, co-operatives, and public trusts have separate audit triggers under their respective statutes. In practice, businesses in Surendranagar coordinate among CAs, company secretaries, and lawyers to ensure complete compliance and to address notices or disputes.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer when you receive a show-cause notice or audit intimation from the GST or Income Tax department, especially if it involves alleged mismatches, input tax credit issues, e-way bill discrepancies, cash transactions, or unexplained investments. Legal counsel can help prepare responses, manage hearings, and negotiate resolutions or appeals.

Companies may need a lawyer to navigate director and officer liability arising from misstatements in financial statements, non-filing of annual returns, or breaches reported in an auditor’s report or under CARO. Legal advice becomes critical to mitigate penalties and protect management and independent directors.

When changing or removing an auditor, or when an auditor resigns citing concerns, legal help ensures due process under the Companies Act, proper disclosures to the Registrar of Companies, and management of stakeholder communications.

If you suspect internal fraud, diversion of funds, or procurement irregularities, lawyers can work with forensic auditors to scope a legally-defensible investigation, preserve evidence, and advise on actions under the Companies Act, IPC, and the Prevention of Corruption framework when applicable.

Partnership and shareholder disputes often intersect with accounting records, profit-sharing, capital accounts, and valuation. Lawyers assist in reading financials, securing records, appointing independent auditors, and seeking interim court relief.

LLPs, co-operatives, and public trusts in Surendranagar may require legal advice to interpret audit qualifications, regularize past non-compliances, secure condonation, or manage proceedings before the Charity Commissioner or Registrar of Co-operative Societies.

In tenders, lender agreements, and investment transactions, lawyers review and negotiate covenants tied to financial ratios, audit scope, and reporting timelines to reduce default risks.

Local Laws Overview

Companies Act, 2013 - Every company must maintain books of account and have them audited annually by a Chartered Accountant. Auditors must follow ICAI Standards on Auditing and report under the Companies Auditor’s Report Order where applicable. Directors are responsible for true and fair financial statements, internal financial controls reporting, and timely filings such as AOC-4 and MGT-7. Late or incorrect filings can attract monetary penalties on the company and officers in default.

Income-tax Act, 1961 - Tax audit under section 44AB is applicable when turnover or gross receipts cross prescribed thresholds. For many businesses, tax audit is triggered if turnover exceeds 1 crore rupees, with an enhanced threshold up to 10 crore rupees where cash receipts and cash payments are each not more than 5 percent of totals. Professionals typically face audit at 50 lakh rupees of gross receipts. Penalty for non-compliance with tax audit can apply under section 271B. Income Computation and Disclosure Standards may affect tax computation.

GST Laws - A Chartered Accountant certified audit is no longer mandatory annually, but the GSTR-9C reconciliation statement is self-certified and subject to verification. Departmental audits under section 65 and special audits under section 66 can be ordered. Notices may arise from return mismatches, e-way bill issues, or input tax credit claims. Records must be maintained at the principal place of business listed for Surendranagar.

LLP Act, 2008 - LLPs must get accounts audited if turnover exceeds 40 lakh rupees or partner contribution exceeds 25 lakh rupees. Non-compliance can lead to penalties and issues with lenders and counterparties.

Partnerships and Proprietorships - While not subject to statutory company audit, these forms commonly undergo tax audits based on thresholds, lender-mandated audits, or audits required by government contracts.

Co-operatives - The Gujarat Co-operative Societies Act, 1961 requires audits, generally through auditors approved by the Registrar. Delays or irregularities can lead to surcharge proceedings and restrictions on office bearers.

Public Trusts and Societies - Under the Bombay Public Trusts Act as applicable in Gujarat, many trusts must get their accounts audited above certain income thresholds. Audited statements must be filed with the office of the Charity Commissioner. Societies may have audit requirements under their governing rules or funding conditions.

Professional and Local Taxes - Employers in Surendranagar must comply with Gujarat Professional Tax for registration and periodic returns. Shops and establishments must maintain registers and comply with record-keeping under the Gujarat Shops and Establishments framework, which may be checked during inspections impacting compliance posture.

Standards and Certifications - ICAI Accounting Standards or Ind AS apply depending on company size, listing status, and net worth. Unique Document Identification Number usage by CAs is mandatory for audit reports and certificates. CARO reporting applies to specified companies, expanding auditor disclosures on controls, inventory, statutory dues, and more.

Data and Records - Digital record-keeping is permitted if records are retrievable, tamper-evident, and backed up. The Digital Personal Data Protection Act has implications for handling employee and customer financial data, including consent, purpose limitation, and breach response.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of professional do I need for accounting and auditing issues in Surendranagar?

A Chartered Accountant handles bookkeeping, financial statements, statutory and tax audits, certifications, and returns. A lawyer advises on legal risk, responds to tax and GST notices, manages disputes, drafts engagement and indemnity clauses, and represents you before appellate forums and courts. Many matters benefit from both working together.

Is an annual statutory audit mandatory for every company?

Yes. Every company incorporated in India must have its annual financial statements audited by a Chartered Accountant, regardless of turnover. The auditor files an audit report addressed to members and reports under applicable orders like CARO for specified companies.

When does a tax audit under section 44AB apply?

For most businesses, tax audit applies if turnover exceeds 1 crore rupees. If cash receipts and cash payments are each not more than 5 percent of totals, the threshold can go up to 10 crore rupees. For professionals, the threshold is typically 50 lakh rupees. Always confirm the current limits for the relevant assessment year.

Is a GST audit still required annually?

Mandatory annual audit by a CA has been discontinued. However, annual return and self-certified GSTR-9C reconciliation are required as applicable by turnover. The department can still conduct audits or order a special audit through a nominated CA.

How can I change my company’s auditor?

Follow the Companies Act process, which may include board and shareholder approvals, filing the prescribed form with the Registrar of Companies, and ensuring the outgoing auditor is given due notice. Incoming auditors must confirm eligibility and independence. Legal advice helps avoid disputes and filing errors.

What happens if I miss ROC filings like AOC-4 or MGT-7?

Late fees accrue per day, and penalties can be imposed on the company and responsible officers. Persistent non-compliance can lead to director disqualification risks, restrictions on corporate actions, and issues with lenders or tenders.

Can GST officers audit my premises in Surendranagar?

Yes. Under section 65, officers may conduct an audit at your place of business or at their office. You are entitled to a notice and an audit period, and you should cooperate by providing records. A lawyer and your CA can help you prepare and respond to findings.

Are digital invoices and accounting records acceptable?

Yes, if they meet legal requirements for authenticity, integrity, and accessibility. Ensure reliable backups, tamper-evident systems, and retention for the prescribed period. E-invoicing may be mandatory based on turnover thresholds.

How are co-operative societies and public trusts audited in Gujarat?

Co-operatives are audited under the Gujarat Co-operative Societies Act, typically by auditors from a panel approved by the Registrar. Public trusts are audited under the Bombay Public Trusts framework applicable in Gujarat if they cross income thresholds, with filings to the Charity Commissioner.

What is UDIN and why does it matter to me?

Unique Document Identification Number is generated by ICAI and must be quoted on CA-issued audit reports and certificates. It helps verify authenticity. Clients should ensure UDIN appears on documents to prevent misuse or rejection by authorities.

Additional Resources

Ministry of Corporate Affairs - Registrar of Companies, Gujarat, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman and Diu, Ahmedabad.

Institute of Chartered Accountants of India - Western India Regional Council and nearby branches such as Rajkot Branch for practitioner listings and guidance notes.

Income Tax Department - Aayakar Seva Kendras and faceless assessment support, plus Surendranagar jurisdictional ward for PAN based cases.

Goods and Services Tax authorities - CGST Commissionerate and Gujarat SGST offices serving Surendranagar for registration, audit, and enforcement matters.

Office of the Charity Commissioner, Gujarat - for trust registration, audit filings, and inquiries.

Registrar of Co-operative Societies, Gujarat - for co-operative audit panels, compliance circulars, and dispute mechanisms.

Gujarat Commercial Tax and Professional Tax authorities - for professional tax registration and returns.

District Industries Centre, Surendranagar - for MSME facilitation, scheme-linked compliance, and support for local enterprises.

Next Steps

Map your entity type and obligations - company, LLP, partnership, proprietorship, co-operative, or trust - and list applicable filings and audit requirements for the year.

Engage a qualified Chartered Accountant early to maintain books, plan taxes, and scope audits. Ensure an engagement letter covers independence, deliverables, timelines, and data confidentiality.

If you have received a notice or anticipate a dispute, consult a lawyer experienced in tax or corporate compliance. Share prior filings, ledgers, bank statements, GST returns, income tax returns, ROC filings, and correspondence.

Set up a compliance calendar covering GST returns, TDS, income tax advance tax and return, tax audit, statutory audit, ROC filings, professional tax, and any sectoral licenses. Assign internal responsibility and build buffer time for reviews.

For co-operatives and trusts, confirm auditor appointment norms with the Registrar or Charity Commissioner and regularize pending audits or filings to reduce penalties.

Adopt robust digital record-keeping with controlled access, regular backups, and audit trails. Ensure e-invoicing and e-way bill compliance if applicable.

When in doubt or when laws change, seek professional advice. Local practices and department expectations in Surendranagar and broader Gujarat can affect timelines and documentation, so proactive communication with your advisors is essential.

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Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.