ICAI Website Guidelines: What a CA Firm Website Can and Can't Include
Yes, a chartered accountant or CA firm can have a website, but ICAI's Website Guidelines control what it can say. In short: your website can describe your professional services, share professional updates and educational content, and show your details and passport-style photos. It can't show client names or logos, fees, awards, testimonials naming clients, superlatives like "best firm", "why choose us" sections, or media coverage, among other things.
Many CA firm websites in Surat and across Gujarat were built by designers who didn't know these rules. This guide lists what's allowed, what to remove, and how a compliant website can still bring in enquiries.
This is a summary for website planning, not professional advice. The guidelines are part of ICAI's Code of Ethics and are updated from time to time, so always check the current version and the Ethical Standards Board at esb.icai.org.
Where the rules come from
The Website Guidelines appear in Volume II of ICAI's Code of Ethics. In October 2020, ICAI issued an advisory listing 29 contents and features that are not permitted on members' and firms' websites, and asked members to bring their websites in line (summary on ABC Aus). ICAI noted the list isn't exhaustive.
What a CA firm website can include
- Firm name, address, contact details and office timings
- Partners' and members' names, qualifications and passport-size photographs
- A description of the professional services you offer
- Professional updates: tax deadlines, law changes, compliance reminders
- Educational content, including educational videos
- Careers and articleship information
What ICAI does not allow on your website
Here are the items from ICAI's list that we most often see on CA firm websites:
| Not allowed | Common example |
|---|---|
| Client names or logos | "Our clients" logo strips |
| Professional fees, or "free" services | Pricing tables, "free consultation" |
| Superlatives | "Leading", "Best", "Top CA firm in Surat" |
| Photographs other than passport-size | Office tours, event galleries, team outings |
| "Why choose us" sections | Lists of reasons to hire the firm |
| Testimonials naming clients | Client quotes with names |
| Awards, gradings and rankings | "Best Tax Firm 2025" badges |
| Media coverage | "As featured in" sections |
| ISO or other certifications | ISO badges, even if the firm holds one |
| Government department or scheme logos | Startup India or GST logos |
| Videos other than educational | Firm profile or promotional videos |
| Subjective claims | "Well-equipped conference room", "best-quality service" |
| CSR, donations and social activities | Charity event photos |
| Empanelments and affiliations | "Empanelled with...", international network logos |
| Claims of liaising with government offices | "We handle department liaison" |
| Unrelated activities | Books, teaching, real estate or other businesses |
| Non-professional updates | General news, entertainment |
The full list has 29 items; check the advisory and Code of Ethics for every point.
Can a compliant CA website still get clients?
Yes. We've seen it first-hand: a CA firm we built a website for, Darshan Galani & Co., signed 34 new clients within three months of launch. Compliance removes the hype; it doesn't remove what actually wins clients online.
1. Explain your services clearly
Give each main service its own page: GST registration and returns, income tax filing, audit, company incorporation, accounting, and so on. Explain what's involved, who it's for, what documents are needed and the process. That's informative, permitted, and exactly what people search for.
2. Publish professional updates
Due date reminders, changes in tax law and compliance explainers. They're explicitly allowed, they help existing clients, and they show expertise to new ones.
3. Make it easy to contact you
Clear phone number, email, office address with a map, and a simple enquiry form. A fast, mobile-friendly site that works on any phone matters more than any badge.
4. Use your Google Business Profile carefully
Your Google Business Profile helps local clients find your office. Keep the information factual and consistent with your website. Treat it with the same care as your website: factual information only.
5. Keep the design professional and restrained
A clean, well-organised website signals professionalism without saying "we're the best". Typography, spacing and clarity do the work.
Compliance checklist for your CA website
- No client names, logos or named testimonials
- No fees, pricing or "free" offers
- No "best", "leading", "top" or "why choose us"
- Only passport-size photographs
- No awards, rankings, media mentions, ISO or affiliation badges
- Only educational videos
- Firm name not styled as a logo or monogram
- Updates are professional only
- Links only to permitted organisations
FAQ
Can a CA firm have a logo on its website? ICAI's list includes the firm name styled as a logo or monogram among prohibited items. Check the current guidelines before using any logo.
Can I list my services and explain them? Yes. Describing professional services is permitted. Avoid promotional language and claims.
Can I write blog posts on my CA website? Professional updates and educational content are allowed. Keep them informative and avoid promoting the firm.
What if my current website breaks the rules? ICAI asked members to align their websites with the guidelines. Remove non-compliant content as soon as possible.
Need a compliant CA firm website?
We design websites for chartered accountants that follow ICAI's guidelines and are built to be found on Google. See our websites for CA firms, or message us on WhatsApp at +91 9099245605 for a free review of your current site.