Image Source : Taxscan
In a move aimed at streamlining professional compliance and reducing administrative delays, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has released a suite of quick-access legal forms tailored for practicing Chartered Accountants. The initiative is part of ICAI’s broader digital transformation strategy and is expected to significantly ease the procedural burden on firms and individual practitioners.
Here’s a detailed look at what the new forms offer, how to access them, and what it means for the CA community.
Key Highlights of the Quick Legal Forms Initiative
- The forms are designed to simplify routine legal and regulatory filings, including firm registration, change in firm particulars, and office declarations
- Revised Form 18, central to this rollout, allows for faster submission of firm details, including partner credentials, office addresses, and professional affiliations
- The forms are aligned with the Chartered Accountants (Amendment) Regulations, 2021, which permit multidisciplinary partnerships with professionals like CS, CMA, and legal experts
- ICAI has also updated Form 117 for firm name approval and Form 2 (FiLLiP) for LLP incorporation, integrating them into its Self Service Portal
How to Access and Use the Forms
- Members must log in to the ICAI Self Service Portal using their credentials
- Navigate to the Firm Function section and select the relevant application folder (e.g., Firm Name Approval, Change in Particulars, LLP Registration)
- Fill in the required details, validate firm name availability, and generate OTPs for partner verification
- Submit the application digitally; status updates are available in real time on the portal dashboard
Benefits for Practicing CAs and Firms
- Reduces paperwork and turnaround time for firm-related approvals and modifications
- Enhances transparency and traceability of submissions through digital tracking
- Encourages formation of multidisciplinary partnerships, expanding the scope of services offered by CA firms
- Supports ICAI’s goal of building a digitally empowered professional ecosystem
Looking Ahead
- ICAI plans to further expand the library of quick legal forms to include templates for client agreements, engagement letters, and compliance declarations
- Training modules and FAQs are being developed to assist members in navigating the new digital workflows
- The initiative is expected to improve regulatory compliance rates and reduce errors in manual submissions
As the accounting profession adapts to a more agile and tech-driven environment, ICAI’s quick legal forms mark a significant step toward making compliance smarter, faster, and more accessible for every Chartered Accountant in India.
Sources: ICAI Self Service Portal, TaxGuru, ICAI Notifications July 2021–June 2025, FAQs on Firms (ICAI)
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