VI The Certificate of Registration for Accounting Services is a prerequisite legal condition for an individual to have the status and capacity to provide accounting services to the public. However, this certificate always has a specific validity period. Once this period ends, continued practice will not be recognized unless the procedure for re-issuance due to expiration is performed. This process is essentially a renewal procedure, requiring the practitioner to fully meet professional standards, ethical codes, and accumulate sufficient knowledge update hours as prescribed by the Ministry of Finance. Mastering the procedures, conditions, and necessary documentation is vital to maintaining the legality of accounting service activities. Let’s join Pham Consult in exploring the legal regulations regarding this important procedure.
- Legal regulations on the validity period of the Certificate of registration for accounting services
The Certificate of Registration for Accounting Services is issued to individuals holding an Accountant Certificate (under the Law on Accounting) or an Auditor Certificate (under the Law on Independent Audit), who register to practice through an accounting service enterprise or a household business after meeting all statutory conditions. The holder of this certificate (hereinafter referred to as a “practicing accountant”) is permitted to provide services such as bookkeeping, chief accountant services, financial statement preparation, accounting consultancy, and other accounting-related tasks for organizations and individuals in need.
According to Article 7 of Circular No. 296/2016/TT-BTC issued by the Ministry of Finance, the Certificate of Registration for Accounting Services has a maximum term of 5 years (60 months), but not exceeding December 31st of the fifth year from the effective date. Upon expiration, the certificate is considered void or no longer valid, and the practicing accountant must cease providing all accounting-related services.
Since the validity period is a key detail of the certificate, its expiration constitutes a change in the certificate’s content. Therefore, accountants wishing to continue their practice must carry out the procedure for re-issuance due to changes in content.
- Application dossier for re-issuance due to expiration
According to Article 11 of Circular No. 296/2016/TT-BTC (amended and supplemented by Circular No. 23/2024/TT-BTC), the dossier for re-issuance due to expiration includes:
– An application form for the issuance of the Certificate of Registration for Accounting Services;
– Two (02) color photos (3x4cm) taken on a white background within six (06) months prior to the submission date;
– Documents specified in Clause 2, Clause 6, and Clause 7 of Article 3, Circular 296/2016/TT-BTC, if there are any changes compared to the most recent registration;
– Proof of payment of the appraisal fee for the issuance of the certificate, unless the fee has been paid via the online public service system.
In addition to the above documents, the accounting service enterprise or household business must compile a list of individuals registering to practice at their unit to be submitted to the Ministry of Finance along with each individual’s dossier.
- Procedures for re-issuance due to expiration
Step 1: The practicing accountant prepares one (01) set of documents and submits it to the Ministry of Finance.
Step 2: The Ministry of Finance reviews and issues the Certificate of Registration for Accounting Services within 15 days from the date of receipt of a valid dossier and full payment of fees. In case of refusal, the Ministry of Finance will provide a written response stating the reasons.
The validity period of the newly issued certificate will follow the regulations mentioned in Section 1 above.
