Tax Return Preparer Course (TRP)

Overview: The Tax Return Preparer Course (TRP) is a professional course aimed at individuals seeking to become certified tax return preparers in India. This course helps students gain specialized knowledge in tax laws, return filing, GST, and direct and indirect taxes. It is designed to meet the demand for skilled tax professionals who can assist individuals and businesses in complying with the tax regime in India.

Course Duration:
The course duration generally varies between 3 to 6 months, depending on the institution and the specific modules offered. However, some institutions offer this course on a part-time basis, allowing candidates to complete the program within one year.

Average Fees:
The average fees for the TRP course in India range between INR 5,000 to INR 20,000, depending on the institution and the course structure.

Exams to Attend:

  1. Tax Return Preparer Certification Examination

  2. GST Practitioner Examination (optional for candidates pursuing GST specialization)

  3. Institutional Internal Assessments (for practical and theoretical knowledge evaluation)

Syllabus (Semester-wise Breakdown)

Since this is a short-term professional course, the syllabus is typically divided into three modules/semesters based on the duration of the course.

Module 1 (Fundamentals of Taxation)

  • Introduction to Indian Taxation System

  • Overview of Income Tax Laws

  • Tax Deducted at Source (TDS)

  • Filing of Income Tax Returns (ITR)

  • Direct and Indirect Taxes Overview

  • Introduction to Tax Laws and Accounting

  • GST Introduction and Overview

Module 2 (Tax Filing and Compliance)

  • Detailed Study on Income Tax Returns (Individual and Business)

  • Computation of Income under Different Heads

  • Taxation of Individuals, Firms, and Corporations

  • Taxation of Salaries, House Property, and Business Income

  • Deductions and Exemptions under Income Tax Laws

  • Filing of TDS Returns

  • Filing of GST Returns and Compliance Procedures

Module 3 (Practical Application and Advanced Topics)

  • Advanced Income Tax Planning and Filing Techniques

  • Tax Planning Strategies for Individuals and Businesses

  • Assessment Procedures under the Income Tax Act

  • Tax Audits and Scrutiny

  • Case Studies on Tax Filing

  • Use of Government Tax Return Filing Portals

  • Ethics and Professional Responsibility for Tax Return Preparers

Ten Most Ranking Institutions (Combined Ranking in India)

  1. National Institute of Financial Markets (NIFM), Delhi

  2. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), New Delhi

  3. National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics (NACIN), Faridabad

  4. Tax4Wealth Academy, Bengaluru

  5. Taxmann Academy, Mumbai

  6. School of Excellence in Law, Chennai

  7. Indian Institute of Taxation, Pune

  8. Indian School of Business Management and Administration (ISBM), Mumbai

  9. EduPristine, Hyderabad

  10. Institute of Finance, Banking and Insurance (IFBI), New Delhi

Top 10 Institutions in Kerala

  1. Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), Kochi

  2. ICAI - Kochi Chapter

  3. Tax Study Centre, Thiruvananthapuram

  4. National Institute of Taxation Studies, Kozhikode

  5. Kerala Institute of Taxation and Finance, Kollam

  6. Institute of Professional Accountants, Thrissur

  7. Sree Narayana Guru College of Advanced Studies, Palakkad

  8. St. Teresa’s College, Kochi

  9. A.J. Institute of Management, Kannur

  10. Southern Institute of Taxation, Ernakulam