Exclusion from ‘Accountant’ Definition Disheartening, Says ICMAI in Income Tax Bill 2025 Response

The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) has recently issued a press release dated July 24, 2025, addressing a significant issue regarding the Income Tax Bill 2025 and the role of Cost Accountants (CMAs) in the revised bill.

The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) has thoroughly reviewed the reports submitted by the Select Committee on the draft Income Tax Bill 2025 and the suggestions mentioned in it, and shows its gratitude to the Select Committee for awarding them a chance to present their views in the Income Tax Bill 2025. They express satisfaction that the Committee has acknowledged the technical knowledge, expertise, and experience of CMAs in the area of income tax. Meaning, the Committee agrees CMAs are qualified and capable of handling income tax matters. This is a positive step because it shows that CMAs are recognised as competent professionals in this domain.

One of the key suggestions made by ICMAI in the draft bill was that Cost Accountants should be included in the definition of “Accountants” under the Income Tax Act. This inclusion would allow CMAs to conduct income tax audits and provide certifications under the Act, just like Chartered Accountants (CAs) do now. However, with a heavy heart, ICMAI notifies that the Select Committee has excluded Cost Accountants from the legal definition of “Accountants” in the new Income Tax Bill. Meaning, CMAs will be restricted from performing certain tasks under the Income Tax Act, such as tax audits or certifications, which are reserved for Chartered Accountants.

The ICMAI states that they are not satisfied with the reasons served by the Select Committee for exclusion and believe that the decision was made based on technicalities, which could mean rules, interpretations, or historical precedents that were used to justify the exclusion, but which the ICMAI believes are not fair or logical. Further, ICMAI says that even though they are disappointed, they will continue to work with the Government and Tax Authorities to remove these “technical difficulties.” They are determined to keep fighting for what they believe is their rightful place as recognised experts in the field of income tax. In the meantime, ICMAI says that its members will continue to serve the public, the business community, and the government by offering advice and consultancy in income tax matters. They want to ensure that both taxpayers (assessees) and the government benefit from their services.

At the end of the press release, ICMAI highlights that the CMA qualification stands for excellence, integrity, and ethics. Their members and students are spread all across India and abroad, serving in various capacities in the government, private sector, and society. Assures that it will continue contributing to the country’s growth and financial discipline.

ICMAI is a statutory body, created under the Cost Accountants Act, 1959, and operates under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India. Its headquarters is established in New Delhi and contains a huge network including four Regional Councils, 112 chapters in India, and 11 overseas centres. ICMAI is the largest Cost and Management Accounting body in the world, consisting of more than 100,000 qualified CMAs and 600,000 students. It is a founding member of major global organisations such as the IFAC, CAPA, and SAFA.

If you want to collect more information, ICMAI can be contacted at Email: [email protected] and website: www.icmai.in.