Types of CA Certificates in India: Documents, Cost and UDIN

Money may fuel business, but paperwork keeps it alive. In India, many financial and compliance processes cannot move forward unless a Chartered Accountant certifies the numbers. A CA certificate is needed for bank loans, tenders, foreign remittances, investment deals, statutory filings and even for closing a company. It signals that the figures are true, the documents are verified and the applicant is financially credible.

Most people approach a CA only at the final stage, but that often leads to delays because certificates are issued only after reviewing supporting financial records. Businesses that maintain proper books through a professional accounting and bookkeeping service are usually able to obtain certificates faster and at a lower cost.

This guide walks through the common types of CA certificates in India, the information applicants must provide, what CAs evaluate before signing, the UDIN rules, and typical CA certificate charges.

What is UDIN?

Unique Document Identification Number (UDIN) is an 18-digit system-generated unique number for every document certified/attested by full-time practicing CAs and registered with the UDIN portal (https://udin.icai.org). The configuration of the 18-digit UDIN is as follows:

Is UDIN Mandatory for Certificates?

Yes. Every certificate, report or financial document signed by a practicing CA must carry a valid UDIN. Authorities use it to verify authenticity, and documents without UDIN are often rejected. UDIN applies to both physical and digitally signed documents, and each UDIN can be used for only one certificate.

Types of CA Certificates in India and the Information Required

Here’s the list of different kinds of CA certificates that vary depending on the purpose. Also, each one requires specific documents and verification before it can be issued.

1. Net Worth Certificate

• Needed for bank loans, visas and investor due diligence

• CAs’ review:

  • Audited balance sheets

  • Property papers

  • Fixed deposit receipts

  • Investment statements

  • Loan liability records

Ownership proof and valuation basis are always checked.

2. Turnover Certificate

• Common for tenders, government contracts and credit proposals

• Applicants must provide:

  • GST returns (GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B)

  • Sales ledgers

  • Audited profit and loss statements

Figures are cross-verified with GST filings to ensure consistency. If you have just started your business, make sure you are compliant with GST. Read the full blog here for the tips you will need: GST Compliance Tips for Small Businesses

3. Form 15CB (Foreign Remittance Certificate)

• Required under FEMA before sending funds abroad

• Documents include:

  • Invoice or contract copy

  • Purpose code for the remittance

  • PAN of the remitter

  • Tax Residency Certificate if DTAA benefits are claimed

  • Recipient’s bank details

The CA then verifies taxability, applicable TDS and compliance with FEMA rules before issuing Form 15CB.

4. Working Capital Certificate

• Banks rely on this for setting credit limits

• Applicants submit:

  • Trial balance

  • Stock report

  • Debtor and creditor ageing summary

A CA evaluates liquidity and the relationship between current assets and liabilities.

5. Stock or Inventory Certificate

• Usually part of loan processing and year-end audits

• Needs to provide:

  • Stock registers

  • Purchase invoices

  • Sales invoices

  • Physical stock statements

The CA ensures valuation matches the books.

6. Solvency Certificate

• Needed for visas, tenders and contract bidding

• Required documents:

  • Asset and liability statements

  • Bank balance proofs

  • Title deeds are required

CAs verify actual market value and confirm loan obligations.

7. Capital Infusion or Contribution Certificate

• Issued when promoters invest capital into a company

• Documents needed:

  • Bank statements

  • Share subscription forms

  • Board resolutions are examined

A CA confirms that the capital is genuinely received and accounted for.

Understanding term-sheets is key when raising share capital. This guide on term sheets explains everything you need: Term Sheets Explained: Essential for Startup Fundraising in India

8. Fair Valuation of Shares Certificate

• Required for private placements, FDI, ESOPs and mergers

• Papers to be submitted:

  • Valuation reports

  • Audited accounts

  • Shareholding details

Make sure it complies with the Companies Act and FEMA valuation norms is closely assessed.

To understand how ESOPs work and why valuations matter during employee stock grants, you can read this detailed guide: Understanding Employee Stock Options (ESOP)

9. DPT-3 Certification

• Mandatory annual filing for deposits and borrowings

• List of supporting documents:

  • A list of all loans and deposits

  • Plus audited financial statements

The CA checks whether each amount is classified correctly under the rules.

10. Strike-Off Certificate of Accounts

• Important for closing a company legally (When the director or the owners decide)

• Documents to keep ready:

  • Final audited statements

  • Nil bank balance confirmations,

  • Creditor NOCs

The CA ensures that no liabilities or litigation remain unresolved.

To understand when and how a company name is formally removed from the register, see this guide: Understanding the Strike Off of a Company

11. GST Refund or ITC Reconciliation Certificate

• Issued when claiming refunds or resolving ITC mismatches.

• Applicants must submit:

  • GSTR-1

  • GSTR-3B

  • GSTR-2A or 2B

  • Export invoices and purchase bills

The CA verifies refund eligibility and reconciles credit. For a detailed look at the GST refund process, eligibility criteria and standardisation of procedures, read: GST Refund Process: Eligibility, Time Limit & Rules

12. Tax Audit Report (Form 3CD)

• Required when turnover crosses the threshold under the Income Tax Act.

• Records the CA will ask for:

  • Complete books of accounts

  • Vouchers

  • Loan schedules

  • TDS challans

The CA identifies disallowances and non-compliance issues.

You can learn more about tax audit requirements under Section 44AB here: Income Tax Audit u/s 44AB: Limits, Due Date & Penalties

13. Statutory Audit Report

• Mandatory for companies and certain LLPs.

• Papers to share for verification:

  • Books

  • Ledgers

  • Statutory registers

  • Invoices

  • Agreements

The CA ensures that accounting standards and disclosure rules are properly followed.

14. Special Purpose Certificates

• Issued for project finance, subsidies and government schemes.

• Documentation checklist:

  • Project expenditure reports

  • Scheme documents

The CA confirms whether expenses qualify under the terms of the scheme.

UDIN Norms for CA Certificates

Every CA certificate in India must carry a Unique Document Identification Number (UDIN). This requirement has been in force since 2019 under ICAI regulations. Banks, government departments and regulators can verify authenticity on the ICAI portal. UDIN has significantly reduced the risk of fake or unauthorised certificates.

CA Certificate Charges in India

Charges depend on the nature of the certificate, volume of verification needed and urgency.

There is no fixed fee structure by ICAI. Pricing is based on professional time, documentation effort and liability involved.

Conclusion

CA certificates play a crucial role in financial and compliance activities. Banks, regulators and investors depend on them to trust that the numbers and documents submitted are accurate. When all records are prepared in advance, certification becomes quicker and often more affordable.

If you need help with the paperwork, verification or filing, LegalWiz.in can simplify your accounting and compliance requirements. Our experts ensure that the process becomes smooth and hassle-free from start to finish.