ICAI issues clarification on Audit fees to be received from client



Quick Summary
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has issued a clarification regarding fees received from a single client under the revised Code of Ethics, effective from 1st July 2020. Contrary to some concerns, there is no outright ban on accepting more than 15% of fees from one client. Instead, the revised code requires members to make disclosures and implement safeguards if fees from a single audit client and its related entities exceed 15% of the firm's total gross annual fees for two consecutive years. This rule has specific exemptions for government entities, public undertakings, and firms with total gross annual fees not exceeding five lakh rupees.

Announcement
Sub. : Clarification on Fees from a single client

As the members are aware, the revised Code of Ethics will come into effect w.e.f 1st July, 2020.

Some members have expressed their concern on one of the provisions contained in Paragraph R410.4 of the Volume-I of revised Code of Ethics on measures for addressing self-interest threats resulting from dependence of Fees from a single client.

It may be clarified that there is NOT a bar in the revised Code of Ethics on acceptance of more than 15% fees from a single client. There is only requirement of disclosure , and taking safeguards prescribed therein, if the total gross annual professional fees from the audit client and its related entities represent more than 15% of the total fees received by the firm expressing the opinion on the financial statements of the client for two consecutive years.

Accordingly, the Audit may be continued while taking safeguards as mentioned in the said Paragraph.

It may further be clarified that this rule would not apply in Case of audit of Government Companies, public undertakings, nationalized banks, public financial institutions or where appointments are made by Government; OR where the total gross annual fees of the Firm does not exceed five lakhs of rupees.

It may also be relevant to note that the rule applies ONLY where such Fees is received from an AUDIT CLIENT.

FAQ :

No, the revised Code of Ethics does not impose a bar on accepting more than 15% of fees from a single client. However, there are disclosure and safeguarding requirements if this threshold is met.

Members must disclose and take prescribed safeguards if the total gross annual professional fees from an audit client and its related entities represent more than 15% of the firm's total gross annual fees for two consecutive years.

The rule does not apply to audits of Government Companies, public undertakings, nationalised banks, public financial institutions, or appointments made by the Government. It also doesn't apply if the firm's total gross annual fees do not exceed five lakh rupees.

No, this rule applies only where the fees are received from an AUDIT CLIENT.

The revised Code of Ethics came into effect on 1st July 2020.




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