What is the difference between a statutory and a tax audit?

Short answerA statutory audit is required under the Companies Act for all companies and reports on the truth and fairness of the financial statements. A tax audit is required under the Income-tax Act (Section 44AB) above turnover thresholds and reports tax-specific particulars. A company over the limit needs both.

Different laws, different purpose

Statutory = Companies Act, truth-and-fairness. Tax = Income-tax Act, tax compliance particulars (Form 3CD).

You may need both

A company over the 44AB limit files a statutory audit and a tax audit; the tax audit then uses Form 3CA (since already audited).

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Unsure which audits your business needs? You can message him directly, or book a short call to talk through your situation.

This answer is general information for businesses, not professional advice. Tax rates, thresholds and forms change with each Finance Act — please confirm the current position for your own facts, or speak to us, before acting.

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