“Are CAs Too Expensive?” Budget 2026’s Corporate Mitras Plan Triggers Outrage

The Union Budget 2026 announcement on introducing “Corporate Mitras” has triggered concern and debate among Chartered Accountants, Company Secretaries and Cost Accountants. Many professionals are questioning whether the move reduces the role of qualified professionals in the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) compliance system.

The Corporate Mitras proposal is aimed at providing low cost compliance support to micro, small and medium enterprises. The government has presented the idea as a step to reduce compliance burden and improve access to assistance in smaller towns.

However, several accounting professionals are unhappy with the proposal and say it creates a parallel layer of intermediaries instead of fixing complex laws and portal related problems.

Chartered Accountants across social media are asking whether the proposal indirectly suggests that professional services are too costly for MSMEs. Many have pointed out that CAs work under strict laws, disciplinary control and legal responsibility, which cannot be matched by informal facilitators.

Professionals have also raised doubts on the knowledge level and risk handling ability of Corporate Mitras. According to many practitioners, compliance is not only about filing forms but also about understanding tax positions, disclosures and future notice risk. They feel that low cost compliance may lead to more disputes for MSMEs later.

Some professionals compared Corporate Mitras with earlier models like Tax Return Preparers and GST Practitioners. While those models helped in basic filings, professionals say that complex matters still required qualified experts.

Another concern raised is lack of consultation with professional bodies like ICAI, ICSI and ICMAI. Many professionals are asking why such an important proposal was announced without proper discussion with stakeholders.

At the same time, some professionals have supported the move. They argue that many MSMEs in small towns do not have easy access to qualified professionals and Corporate Mitras may help fill this gap. They also say that routine compliance work can be handled by Mitras, while audits and litigation will still need professionals.

The debate has also brought focus back on compliance reform. Many professionals believe that real ease of doing business will come only when laws are simpler, penalties are reduced and government portals work smoothly.

So far, the government has not released detailed guidelines on training, scope or accountability of Corporate Mitras. Professional bodies have also not issued any official response on the proposal.

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