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Overview

Statutory Audits

Statutory Audits are mandatory audits conducted by a qualified auditor to ensure that a company’s financial records and statements comply with regulatory requirements. These audits are governed by the Companies Act, 2013, Income Tax Act, and other applicable laws, ensuring transparency and accountability in a company’s financial operations.

A Statutory Audit verifies the accuracy and fairness of an organization’s financial statements and ensures compliance with applicable laws. It is conducted annually and applies to all companies registered under the Companies Act, 2013, and certain entities under the Income Tax Act, 1961. The objective of a Statutory Audit is to safeguard the interests of stakeholders such as shareholders, creditors, and regulatory authorities.

Importance

1. Legal Compliance : Ensures adherence to the Companies Act, Income Tax Act, and other laws.

2. Stakeholder Confidence : Enhances trust among investors, lenders, and other stakeholders.

3. Error Detection : Identifies inaccuracies or irregularities in financial records.

4. Transparency : Promotes accountability in the organization’s financial practices.

5. Penalty Avoidance : Prevents penalties for non-compliance with legal obligations.



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Features

Features & Benefits of Statutory Audits

Mandatory Requirement
Applicable to all companies under the Companies Act, 2013.
Third-Party Audit
Conducted by an independent, certified auditor.
Scope of Audit
Covers financial statements, tax compliance, and statutory records.
Regulatory Compliance
Ensures adherence to accounting and legal standards (e.g., Ind-AS, GST laws).
Objective Reporting
Provides an unbiased opinion on the company’s financial health.

Statutory Audits

Detection of Fraud
Identifies potential fraud or mismanagement in financial practices.
Tax Compliance Verification
Ensures accurate tax filings and deductions.
Stakeholder Communication
Builds confidence among investors, creditors, and regulators.
Detailed Reporting
Includes management commentary, financial ratios, and statutory observations.
Applicable Across Industries
Required for all sectors, including manufacturing, service, and trading companies.



Comparison with Related Services

Feature Statutory Audits Tax Audits Internal Audits
Objective Regulatory compliance Tax filing compliance Operational efficiency
Mandatory for Companies Yes Yes (if applicable) No (voluntary)
Regulatory Authority MCA Income Tax Department Internal Management
Focus Area Financial records, compliance Tax returns and records Business processes
Audit Frequency Annual Annual Periodic (as required)
Conducted By Independent Auditor Tax Auditor In-house/External Auditor
Scope of Work Financial statements, legal compliance Tax compliance only Internal controls
Penalty for Non-Compliance High High None
Applicable Laws Companies Act, Ind-AS Income Tax Act NA
Filing Requirement Yes Yes Yes
Cost Moderate to High Moderate Varies



Frequently Asked Questions

Who is required to conduct a Statutory Audit?

All companies registered under the Companies Act, 2013, including private limited companies, public limited companies, and certain LLPs, must conduct a statutory audit.

What is the role of the statutory auditor?

The statutory auditor evaluates the company’s financial statements, ensures compliance with applicable laws, and provides an opinion on the financial health and accuracy of the records.

What is the penalty for not conducting a Statutory Audit?

Failure to conduct a statutory audit can lead to penalties, including fines for the company and directors, disqualification of directors, and prosecution.

Are Statutory Audits applicable to small companies?

Yes, statutory audits are mandatory for all companies, irrespective of their size or turnover.

Can the same auditor conduct multiple audits for a company?

Yes, the same auditor can conduct multiple types of audits (e.g., statutory and tax audits), provided there is no conflict of interest.

What is the difference between a Statutory Audit and a Tax Audit?

A statutory audit focuses on financial and legal compliance under the Companies Act, while a tax audit ensures compliance with the provisions of the Income Tax Act.