17 February 2021
I AM A IPCC STUDENT WHO HAS PASSED GRP-1 AND COMPLETED ARTICLESHIP....SHOULD I BECOME A TAX CONSULTANT ?? IF YES THEN WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE??
26 July 2025
Hey! Since you’re an IPCC student who’s cleared Group 1 and finished articleship, you’re definitely on a strong path.
Should you become a tax consultant? Yes, you can start working as a tax consultant even before completing CA. Many students and semi-qualified professionals offer tax consultancy services like filing income tax returns, GST returns, advisory, etc. Just ensure you don’t misrepresent yourself as a full Chartered Accountant until you’re certified by ICAI. What’s the procedure to become a tax consultant? Gain Knowledge and Experience: Use your articleship experience. Keep updating yourself on the latest tax laws (Income Tax, GST, etc.). You can do short courses or certifications on GST, Income Tax filing, or tax planning if you want extra credibility. Register Yourself: You can start as a sole proprietor or even register a firm under your own name. Get a PAN and GST registration if you plan to provide GST services. Open a current bank account for your business. Build Your Network and Client Base: Start with family, friends, and local businesses. Offer professional and reliable service to build trust. Maintain Professional Standards: Keep client data confidential. Use proper billing and agreements. Stay updated with tax changes. If you want to expand in the future: Complete your CA qualification. Register with professional bodies or become a Certified GST Practitioner. Summary: No formal government license needed to be a tax consultant. Knowledge, experience, and ethical practice are key. You can start immediately with tax return filing, GST, and advisory services.