Tax Audit Due Date Extended to 21 October 2026: Use These 21 Extra Days to Fix Form 3CD Errors

CBDT DEADLINE UPDATE • AY 2026–27

Tax Audit Due Date Extended to 21 October 2026

Use the additional time to correct Form 3CD, GST, MSME and TDS issues

TAX AUDIT REPORT

21 October 2026

Earlier: 30 September 2026

AUDIT-CASE ITR

21 November 2026

Earlier: 31 October 2026

Important clarification: CBDT announced this relief for the applicable regular audit cases for AY 2026–27. It should not be assumed that every audit form, transfer-pricing report or other statutory deadline has been extended.

The extension gives businesses and auditors additional time, but it should be used for better verification—not for postponing the audit. Incorrect reporting in Form 3CD can affect the income-tax return and may create questions during assessment.

What exactly has CBDT extended?

Compliance	Earlier date	Revised date
Applicable Tax Audit Report	30 September 2026	21 October 2026
ITR for applicable audit cases	31 October 2026	21 November 2026

What has not automatically changed?

The announcement does not by itself extend GST returns, TDS returns, ROC filings, advance-tax obligations or every separate audit report. Transfer-pricing and special audit cases should be checked independently.

Business owners: use the extra time for these checks

1. GST turnover reconciliation

Match sales as per books with GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B. Prepare reasons for every material difference.

2. AIS and Form 26AS

Check income, TDS, high-value transactions, property details and other information appearing in AIS.

3. MSME vendor status

Obtain vendor declarations and Udyam details. Identify dues covered by Section 43B(h).

4. TDS compliance

Review expense ledgers for non-deduction, short deduction, delayed payment and incorrect reporting.

5. Loans and cash transactions

Check acceptance and repayment of loans, deposits and specified sums against permitted payment modes.

6. Closing stock

Finalise quantity, valuation method, obsolete stock and differences between physical and book records.

Form 3CD clauses commonly missed

Clause 13 – Accounting method and ICDS

The financial accounts and taxable income may require ICDS adjustments. Simply writing “mercantile” is not always enough.

Clause 16 – Income not credited to profit and loss account

Check incentives, duty benefits, escalation claims, capital receipts and income directly credited elsewhere.

Clauses 21 and 26 – Disallowances and Section 43B

Review cash payments, personal or capital expenses, statutory liabilities and amounts allowed only on payment.

Clause 22 – MSME and Section 43B(h)

Vendor classification, Udyam status, agreed credit period and actual payment date require proper supporting records.

Clause 31 – Loans, deposits and specified sums

Do not check only the year-end balance. Examine receipts and repayments during the entire year.

Clause 34 – TDS and TCS

Reconcile expense ledgers, TDS returns, challans and outstanding amounts. Vendor-wise testing is essential.

Clause 35 – Quantitative details

Businesses often finalise values but leave quantities incomplete. Stock records and production details need verification.

Clause 44 – GST-wise breakup of expenditure

Total expenditure must be properly classified between registered, composition, exempt and unregistered suppliers.

The most commonly overlooked area

Clause 22 and Section 43B(h) deserve special attention. Many businesses identify MSME dues only from the vendor name or invoice. The correct exercise requires the vendor’s MSME status, nature of enterprise, invoice date, accepted credit period and payment date. A normal ledger ageing report may not be sufficient.

When may an auditor need a qualification or observation?

A qualification should not be inserted as a routine disclaimer. It should be specific, supported by the audit work and connected to a material limitation or misstatement.

Situation	Possible reporting approach
Records are incomplete or not produced	State the exact records not available and the clauses affected.
Closing stock cannot be verified	Describe the absence of quantity records or physical verification and its effect.
GST or turnover is not reconciled	Report the unreconciled amount and avoid a general statement such as “subject to GST reconciliation.”
Vendor MSME status is unavailable	State the limitation and the basis used for Clause 22 reporting.
External confirmations are unavailable	Mention balances affected and whether alternative procedures were possible.
Personal expenses cannot be separated	Quantify where possible and explain the limitation instead of using a blanket disclaimer.

Good qualification practice: identify the issue, mention the affected amount or records, state the audit procedure performed, explain the limitation and connect it to the relevant Form 3CD clause. Avoid vague phrases that do not tell the reader what went wrong.

Final 48-hour-style checklist

• Complete the trial balance and financial statements.
• Match turnover with GST returns and bank credits.
• Reconcile AIS, Form 26AS and TDS certificates.
• Collect MSME declarations and prepare invoice-wise ageing.
• Review cash payments, loans and property transactions.
• Check TDS section, rate, deduction date and payment date.
• Complete Clause 44 expenditure classification.
• Confirm opening balances and related-party details.
• Obtain signed financial statements and management representation.
• Generate UDIN and verify all figures before uploading.
• Ensure the taxpayer accepts the uploaded report on the portal.
• Download and preserve the acknowledgement and final report.

Use the extension for accuracy—not delay

Gururaaja Sanjay and Co can provide professional assistance with tax-audit applicability, account reconciliation, Form 3CD review and compliance based on your records and circumstances.

Call 7760252581 WhatsApp Us

Disclaimer: This article is for general education. Applicability, reporting and audit qualifications depend on the records and facts of each taxpayer. Please verify the formal CBDT order and portal updates before filing.

Missed GST Credit from FY 2025–26? Complete This ITC Check Before 30 November 2026

Missed GST Credit from FY 2025–26?

Complete the ITC reconciliation before the statutory time limit closes.

An invoice may be recorded in your accounts, but that alone does not protect your GST input tax credit.

If an eligible FY 2025–26 invoice is missed beyond the statutory limit, the credit may become unavailable. Businesses should therefore reconcile the purchase register with GSTR-2B well in advance.

Statutory ITC cut-off: 30 November 2026 The cut-off is 30 November following the financial year or the date of filing the relevant annual return, whichever is earlier.

Practical point for monthly filers: October 2026 GSTR-3B, ordinarily due in November, is generally the last regular monthly return available before the statutory cut-off. Do not wait until 30 November to start checking invoices.

Why eligible ITC may get missed

Supplier did not upload the invoice

The purchase is in your books, but the invoice does not appear in GSTR-2B.

Wrong GSTIN was entered

The supplier may have reported the invoice against another GST registration.

Invoice was recorded late

A March purchase may have been entered only after the annual accounts were finalised.

Credit was kept pending

Eligible credit may have been deferred earlier but not claimed in a later return.

Credit was reversed

A temporary reversal may remain unreclaimed even after the reason for reversal is resolved.

Import or RCM credit was missed

Import documents or reverse-charge tax payments may not have been properly reconciled.

Six steps to complete now

1

Download the complete purchase register

Prepare invoice-wise details for FY 2025–26, including GSTIN, invoice number, invoice date, taxable value and GST amount.

2

Compare the register with GSTR-2B

Match invoice numbers, dates, taxable values and tax amounts. Separate fully matched, partly matched and missing invoices.

3

Contact suppliers for missing invoices

Share the invoice list with suppliers and request them to verify their GSTIN, invoice details and return filing. Keep written follow-up records.

4

Review earlier ITC reversals

Check reversals relating to non-payment, ineligible use, common credits and other reasons. Examine whether any amount is now legally eligible for re-availment.

5

Remove blocked or ineligible credit

Appearance in GSTR-2B does not automatically make every credit eligible. Review personal expenses, blocked credits and invoices not used for business.

6

Claim eligible credit in the correct return

After reconciliation and eligibility review, report the eligible credit correctly in GSTR-3B before the applicable statutory cut-off.

Four conditions that still matter

Meeting the time limit alone is not sufficient. The general conditions for ITC include:

• Possession of a valid tax invoice, debit note or prescribed document.
• Receipt of the goods or services.
• Tax charged on the supply being paid to the Government, subject to the law.
• Furnishing of the applicable GST return.

Books versus GSTR-2B: suggested action

Situation	Suggested review
In books and GSTR-2B	Check eligibility, duplication and whether already claimed
In books but not in GSTR-2B	Follow up with the supplier and verify reporting
In GSTR-2B but not in books	Check whether the purchase belongs to the business
Value or tax mismatch	Compare the original invoice and supplier filing
Credit reversed earlier	Review whether conditions for re-availment are satisfied

Important for QRMP taxpayers

Do not assume that the October–December quarterly GSTR-3B filed in January will protect FY 2025–26 credit. That return falls after the 30 November statutory cut-off.

Quarterly filers should obtain an invoice-wise review of the applicable return period and complete the reconciliation early.

GSTR-2B appearance is not automatic eligibility

GSTR-2B is an important reconciliation statement, but credit must also satisfy the conditions of the GST law. Duplicate credit, blocked credit and non-business expenses should not be claimed merely because they appear in GSTR-2B.

Do not file the annual return too early

The Section 16(4) cut-off is 30 November or the date of filing the relevant annual return, whichever is earlier. Filing the annual return before completing the ITC review may therefore close the available time earlier.

Is your FY 2025–26 GST credit fully reconciled?

Contact our office for professional assistance with purchase-register and GSTR-2B reconciliation, ITC eligibility review, supplier follow-up lists and GSTR-3B compliance.

Phone: 7760252581

Call 7760252581 WhatsApp Us

Official references checked on 28 September 2026:
CBIC Circular No. 237/31/2024-GST
GST Portal – GSTR-2B FAQs
GST Portal – QRMP Advisory

Disclaimer: This article provides general information. ITC eligibility depends on the invoice, nature of expense, supplier reporting, receipt of supply, payment conditions, reversals and other facts. Obtain professional advice before claiming or reversing credit.

Tax Audit Deadline Is 30 September 2026: Complete These 12 Checks Before Filing Form 3CD

Tax Audit Deadline Is 30 September 2026

Complete these 12 important checks before approving Form 3CD.

Only a few days remain for the tax-audit deadline. Rushing the report without complete records can create differences between the books, Form 3CD and the income-tax return.

Current deadline: 30 September 2026 Applicable to tax-audit reports for AY 2026–27. As checked on 27 September 2026, no later official extension was found.

Remember: Uploading by the Chartered Accountant is not the final step. The taxpayer should log in, review and accept the tax-audit report on the income-tax portal.

Which tax-audit form applies?

Form	When it generally applies
Form 3CA with Form 3CD	When the accounts are already required to be audited under another law, such as the Companies Act.
Form 3CB with Form 3CD	When the accounts are not required to be audited under another law but tax audit is applicable.

12 checks before approving Form 3CD

1

Finalise the books of account

Ensure that all sales, purchases, expenses, receipts, payments and journal entries are recorded. Avoid changing the books after giving the final data to the auditor without informing the auditor.

2

Confirm turnover or gross receipts

Reconcile the turnover appearing in the profit and loss account with GST returns, invoices, bank credits and other applicable records.

3

Complete the GST reconciliation

Compare the books with GSTR-1, GSTR-3B and annual GST workings. Explain differences caused by credit notes, advances, amendments, exempt supplies or timing differences.

4

Verify TDS compliance

Review expenses such as salary, interest, rent, professional fees, contracts and commission. Check whether applicable TDS was deducted, deposited and reported correctly.

5

Review outstanding expenses

Examine unpaid statutory liabilities and year-end provisions. Confirm whether any amount requires adjustment or separate reporting under the tax law.

6

Check MSME creditors

Identify suppliers registered as micro or small enterprises. Keep their declarations, ageing details and payment dates ready for examining the applicable deduction and disclosure requirements.

7

Verify loans and deposits

Prepare party-wise details of loans accepted or repaid. Include opening balance, additions, repayments, closing balance, mode of payment and lender details.

8

Check cash transactions

Review large cash receipts, cash payments, expense vouchers and cash-book balances. Confirm that supporting evidence is available and applicable restrictions have been examined.

9

Update the fixed-asset register

Provide invoices and put-to-use dates for new assets. Record assets sold or discarded and reconcile depreciation with the books and tax workings.

10

Confirm related-party transactions

Prepare the names, relationships, nature of transactions and amounts involving specified related persons. Keep agreements and supporting documents ready.

11

Match AIS, TIS and Form 26AS

Review reported income, TDS, high-value transactions and tax payments. Investigate differences before the income-tax return is prepared.

12

Accept the uploaded report

After the auditor submits the report, the taxpayer should review it on the portal and complete the acceptance process before the deadline.

Documents to keep ready

Area	Important records
Accounts	Trial balance, ledgers, financial statements and schedules
Banking	Statements, reconciliations, loan statements and interest certificates
GST	GSTR-1, GSTR-3B and turnover reconciliation
TDS	Returns, challans, Form 26AS and expense-wise reconciliation
MSME	Supplier declarations, registration details, ageing and payment dates
Fixed assets	Purchase invoices, sale documents and depreciation workings

What happens if tax audit is delayed?

Where Section 271B applies, the Assessing Officer may impose a penalty equal to 0.5% of turnover or gross receipts, or ₹1,50,000, whichever is lower.

However, the law provides relief where the taxpayer proves a reasonable cause. This should not be treated as an automatic waiver.

Do not wait for the final day

The auditor needs sufficient time to review reconciliations, supporting records and explanations. The taxpayer also needs time to accept the uploaded report.

Submitting incomplete information on the final day may result in avoidable qualifications, incorrect reporting or last-minute portal difficulties.

Is your tax audit still pending?

Contact our office for professional assistance with tax-audit applicability, books review, GST and TDS reconciliation, Form 3CD preparation and income-tax compliance.

Phone: 7760252581

Call 7760252581 WhatsApp Us

Official references checked on 27 September 2026:
Income Tax Department – Interplay and Transition FAQs
Form 3CA-3CD User Manual
Section 271B – Failure to get accounts audited

Disclaimer: This article provides general information. Tax-audit applicability and reporting depend on the taxpayer’s legal status, business, profession, turnover, cash transactions, presumptive-tax history and other facts. Obtain professional advice for your particular case.

DPIIT Recognition Means Zero Tax for 3 Years? The Startup Myth Founders Must Avoid

DPIIT Recognition Means Zero Tax for 3 Years?

The important difference every Indian startup founder should understand.

Many founders receive their DPIIT Startup Recognition Certificate and assume that their startup’s profits are automatically tax-free.

This is not correct. DPIIT recognition and the startup profit deduction are separate benefits with different eligibility conditions and approval requirements.

Common assumption: “My company is recognised by DPIIT, so I do not have to pay income tax for three years.”

Correct position: DPIIT recognition is the first step. The startup must separately satisfy the income-tax conditions and obtain the prescribed eligibility certification before claiming the profit deduction.

What is DPIIT Startup Recognition?

DPIIT recognition identifies an eligible entity as a startup under the Startup India framework. Recognition may provide access to specified regulatory relaxations, schemes and other benefits, subject to their individual conditions.

General DPIIT recognition

• The entity can be a private limited company, LLP, registered partnership firm or eligible cooperative society.
• It should generally be within 10 years from incorporation or registration.
• Turnover should be below ₹200 crore in every previous financial year.
• The business should work towards innovation, development or improvement, or have a scalable model with potential for employment or wealth creation.
• It should not be created merely by splitting or reconstructing an existing business.

Separate higher limits may apply to a startup qualifying under the notified DeepTech framework. Such status should not be assumed merely because the business uses technology.

What is the startup tax deduction?

For income earned under the Income-tax Act, 2025, the startup profit deduction is contained in Section 140. It corresponds to the benefit popularly known under Section 80-IAC of the earlier Income-tax Act.

Who can qualify?

An eligible private limited company or LLP satisfying the prescribed startup, business and certification conditions.

How much is deductible?

Up to 100% of eligible business profits for three consecutive assessment years, subject to the law.

Which years?

The startup may select three consecutive assessment years from the permitted ten-year period beginning with incorporation.

Turnover condition

Turnover must not exceed ₹100 crore in the previous year for which the deduction is claimed.

Recognition and tax deduction are not the same

Point	DPIIT recognition	Startup profit deduction
Main purpose	Recognition under Startup India	Deduction of eligible business profits
Eligible structure	Company, LLP, registered partnership or eligible cooperative society	Eligible company or LLP
General turnover limit	Below ₹200 crore	Not exceeding ₹100 crore in the claim year
Approval	DPIIT recognition	Separate prescribed eligibility certification
Automatic tax holiday?	No	Available only after all conditions are satisfied

Simple example

ABC Innovations Private Limited receives DPIIT recognition. Its turnover and age are within the recognition limits.

This certificate alone does not allow ABC Innovations to deduct its profits. The company must separately check the startup tax-deduction conditions, obtain the prescribed certification and correctly claim the benefit in its income-tax return.

Why choosing the correct three years matters

The deduction is available for three consecutive assessment years. Therefore, using it during a year with very low or no profit may reduce its practical benefit.

Before selecting the first claim year, founders should prepare realistic profit projections and consider carried-forward losses, tax rates, other deductions and future growth.

Important: Do not claim the deduction only because your startup has a DPIIT certificate. An incorrect claim may lead to adjustment, tax demand, interest or further verification.

Startup tax-planning checklist

• Confirm the legal structure and date of incorporation.
• Verify DPIIT recognition details and continued eligibility.
• Check the applicable turnover limit separately for recognition and tax deduction.
• Confirm that the business activity meets the eligible-business conditions.
• Review whether the entity was formed by splitting or reconstructing an existing business.
• Prepare the financial statements and profit projections.
• Apply for the prescribed tax-eligibility certification.
• Select the three consecutive years only after proper tax planning.
• Maintain supporting documents and file the required return and reports within the applicable timelines.

How professional guidance can help

A Chartered Accountant can assist in reviewing the entity structure, turnover, financial statements, profit projections, eligibility conditions and tax-compliance requirements.

Early review is useful because recognition, tax eligibility and the best year for starting the deduction may require separate decisions.

Planning DPIIT recognition or startup tax benefits?

Contact our office for professional assistance with startup incorporation, DPIIT recognition, tax eligibility review, financial projections and compliance planning.

Phone: 7760252581

Call 7760252581 WhatsApp Us

Official references checked on 26 September 2026:
Startup India – DPIIT Recognition and Tax Exemption
Income Tax Department – Section 140
Income Tax Department – Deductions

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not a guarantee of recognition, certification or tax benefit. Eligibility depends on the applicable law, notifications, facts and documents of each startup. Obtain professional advice before making a claim.

Booking an Under-Construction Flat in Bengaluru? Check These 10 RERA Details Before Paying

A beautiful model flat and an attractive discount can create pressure to book immediately. But buying a home is a major financial decision. Before paying even the booking amount, check the project’s RERA registration, approvals, agreement terms, possession date and total cost. These simple checks may protect you from unexpected charges, documentation problems and future disputes.

Booking an Under-Construction Flat in Bengaluru?

Check these 10 important RERA details before paying the booking amount.

A beautiful model flat and an attractive discount can create pressure to book immediately. But buying a home is a major financial decision. A few checks before payment may protect you from unexpected charges, documentation problems and future disputes.

Important: RERA registration is an essential starting check. However, registration alone should not be treated as a guarantee of clear title, timely possession or suitability of the property.

10 checks to complete before booking

1Find the project on Karnataka RERA

Search the project on the official Karnataka RERA portal. Match the project name, promoter, location and registration number with the brochure and booking documents.

2Check the correct phase and tower

Large projects may have separate RERA registrations for different phases. Confirm that your exact tower, block or phase is covered by the registration shown to you.

3Review the declared completion date

Check the completion date displayed on the RERA portal and compare it with the possession date promised in the agreement. Do not depend only on a salesperson’s verbal assurance.

4Compare sanctioned plans

Verify the approved layout, apartment plan, carpet area, amenities and specifications. Ask for clarification if the brochure differs from the documents disclosed on the portal.

5Examine approvals and title documents

Review the disclosed approvals, land title documents, encumbrance information and any legal cases relating to the project. Obtain professional assistance where the documents are difficult to understand.

6Do not pay more than 10% without an agreement

Section 13 of the RERA Act says a promoter cannot accept more than 10% of the apartment, plot or building cost as advance or application fee without first entering into a written and registered agreement for sale.

7Understand the complete price

Ask for a written cost sheet showing the basic price, parking, amenities, maintenance deposit, statutory charges, taxes and other additions. Understand which amounts are refundable and non-refundable.

8Read the delay and cancellation clauses

Check the possession date, grace period, payment schedule, interest clauses and cancellation conditions. Confirm whether the agreement matches the promises made during the sale discussion.

9Review progress updates and complaints

Promoters are required to provide prescribed project information and updates. Review construction progress, disclosed bookings, approvals, complaints and available Authority orders before deciding.

10Keep every record

Save the brochure, cost sheet, emails, WhatsApp messages, receipts and payment advice. Pay only through traceable banking channels to the account formally communicated for the project.

A simple example

Suppose a flat costs ₹80 lakh and the promoter asks for ₹12 lakh before signing the agreement for sale. This is 15% of the cost. Since it is more than 10%, the buyer should pause and seek clarification before making the payment.

Documents worth checking

Document or detail	What to verify
RERA registration	Project, phase, promoter and validity details
Agreement for sale	Carpet area, price, possession and cancellation terms
Cost sheet	Total financial commitment and additional charges
Sanctioned plan	Apartment layout, common areas and approved specifications
Title and encumbrance records	Ownership, charges, mortgages and disclosed disputes
Payment schedule	Whether instalments are clear and properly documented

Why professional review can help

Property documents contain legal, financial and tax conditions that may not be clear to every buyer. A structured review can help you understand the total cost, payment terms, tax impact and documentation gaps before you commit your savings.

Professional review cannot remove every commercial risk, but it can help you make a more informed decision and identify questions that should be answered before payment.

Planning to book a property?

For professional assistance with cost-sheet review, tax implications and document-based financial checks, contact our office before making a major payment.

Phone: 7760252581

Call 7760252581 WhatsApp Us

Official references:
Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016
Karnataka RERA official portal
Karnataka RERA registered-project search

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not a legal opinion, title certificate or investment recommendation. Property facts and documents differ from project to project. Obtain appropriate professional advice before booking or making payment.

Before You Sign the Balance Sheet: 10 Audit Red Flags Business Owners Must Check

Balance Sheet audit checklist, audit red flags, financial statement review, statutory audit checklist, accounting errors, business audit

AUDIT READINESS CHECK

Before You Sign the Balance Sheet

Check these 10 audit red flags before approving your financial statements.

Eye-opener: A profitable Balance Sheet can still contain serious accounting errors. Profit alone does not confirm that GST, TDS, loans, expenses, inventory and outstanding balances are correct.

Financial statements are important documents. Banks, tax authorities, investors, vendors and management may rely on them while making decisions.

For a company, the financial statements must present a true and fair view and comply with the applicable accounting standards and legal requirements. The Board approves the financial statements, while the auditor examines the records and reports in accordance with the applicable law and auditing standards.

Therefore, the business owner and management should understand the major balances before signing the accounts.

1. Bank balance does not match the bank statement

Obtain the Bank Reconciliation Statement for every bank account. Check old unpresented cheques, uncleared deposits, bank charges, interest, direct debits and unknown transactions.

A difference between the books and bank statement may indicate an unrecorded transaction, duplication or incorrect accounting entry.

2. Cash balance is unusually high or negative

A negative cash balance is normally not practical. A very high year-end cash balance should also be supported by the actual cash available and proper records.

Red flag:

The books show cash of ₹8 lakh, but the physical cash available is only ₹50,000 and there is no explanation for the difference.

3. GST turnover does not match the books

Reconcile the turnover reported in the financial statements with GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B. Review debit notes, credit notes, advances, exports, exempt supplies and amendments.

Also reconcile the input tax credit recorded in the books with GSTR-2B and identify blocked, ineligible or unreconciled credits.

4. TDS has not been deducted or deposited

Review professional fees, contractor payments, rent, commission, interest and other expenses that may attract TDS.

Verify whether TDS was deducted at the correct time and rate, deposited and reported in the relevant return. Non-compliance may result in interest, late fees, penalties and possible disallowance under the Income-tax Act.

5. Old receivables are still shown as recoverable

Review customer-wise ageing and identify balances that have remained unpaid for a long period. Obtain confirmations for material balances and check subsequent collections.

Questions to ask:

• Is the customer still operating?

• Is any invoice disputed?

• Was money collected after the year-end?

• Is a provision or write-off required?

6. Vendor balances are not confirmed

Match major creditor balances with vendor statements. Check unrecorded purchase invoices, duplicate entries, old advances, debit balances and payments made after the year-end.

Differences should be reconciled before the financial statements are approved.

7. Inventory is accepted without physical verification

The closing stock should be supported by quantity records, physical verification and valuation workings.

Quantity

Match physical stock with accounting records.

Condition

Identify damaged, expired or slow-moving stock.

Valuation

Apply the relevant accounting policy consistently.

8. Loans and advances do not have supporting documents

Obtain loan agreements, sanction letters, repayment schedules and balance confirmations. Check the interest rate, security, repayment terms and classification as current or non-current.

For companies, loans to or from directors, related parties and other entities should also be reviewed for disclosure and compliance under the applicable provisions.

9. Personal or capital expenditure is recorded as a business expense

Review large and unusual expenses. Personal payments should not be claimed as business expenses. Assets providing benefits over more than one period may require capitalisation instead of being fully charged as an expense.

Common examples:

Vehicle purchases, major machinery repairs, office renovation, computers, furniture, personal travel and payments without proper invoices.

10. Related-party transactions are not separately reviewed

Identify transactions with directors, partners, relatives, group entities and businesses under common control.

Check whether the transaction is properly authorised, supported, accounted for and disclosed under the applicable legal and accounting requirements.

Final checklist before signing

✓ All bank accounts are reconciled

✓ Cash balance is physically verified

✓ GST turnover and input tax credit are reconciled

✓ TDS compliance has been reviewed

✓ Receivables and payables are confirmed

✓ Inventory quantity and valuation are checked

✓ Loans are supported by documents

✓ Fixed assets and depreciation are reviewed

✓ Related-party transactions are identified

✓ Major audit observations are discussed and resolved

Signing without understanding is risky

Ask for explanations of major balances, changes from the previous year and unresolved audit observations. Management should approve the accounts only after understanding the financial position presented.

Need Professional Assistance With Your Accounts or Audit?

We can review your books, identify important reconciliation gaps and assist in completing the financial statements and audit requirements.

Call or WhatsApp: 7760252581

Call Now WhatsApp Us

Disclaimer: This article provides general information. The applicable accounting, audit, tax and company-law requirements depend on the constitution, size, transactions and facts of each business.

Balance Sheet audit checklist, audit red flags, financial statement review, statutory audit checklist, accounting errors, business audit Bangalore