A viral social media post has drawn attention to the earning potential of chartered accountants (CAs) during the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing season, claiming that a Pune-based CA earned around Rs 12 lakh within a few days by assisting clients with tax filings. Shared by X user Paritosh Sharma, the post comes as individuals and salaried taxpayers rush to file their returns before the deadline. While the claim has generated widespread discussion online, there is no independent verification of the earnings mentioned in the post.

According to Sharma, his friend, a chartered accountant based in Pune, began offering ITR filing services three years ago and has since built a client base of around 400 individuals. The CA reportedly charges Rs 3,000 per client during the tax filing season, resulting in earnings of nearly Rs 12 lakh in a short period. Sharma added that the growing workload prompted the accountant to hire two interns to help manage client requests during the peak filing period.

The post also highlighted how the accountant's expanding professional network helped diversify his practice beyond tax return filing. As trust among clients increased, many reportedly approached him for additional services such as business registrations, accounting support and statutory compliance. Sharma claimed that the CA now earns more from his independent practice than from his full-time job, describing the success as an example of how specialised skills, credibility and a strong network can significantly enhance professional income.

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The claims quickly gained traction on social media, prompting a wide range of reactions from users. Some praised the accountant's expertise and entrepreneurial success, arguing that such earnings reflect years of professional training and trust built with clients. Others suggested that fees charged by chartered accountants have risen in recent years, with some users claiming that many professionals now charge considerably higher amounts for similar services depending on the complexity of the return.

However, several users also pointed out the challenges associated with running a tax practice. They noted that delayed client payments, constant availability during peak filing seasons and managing hundreds of client queries can place considerable pressure on professionals. Others highlighted concerns about long working hours, mental fatigue and the expectation that clients prefer speaking directly with the accountant rather than junior staff. While the viral post has reignited discussions about the financial rewards of professional expertise, it has also underscored the demanding nature of independent practice during one of the busiest periods of the financial year.

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