The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC), to facilitate setting up of certified facilitation centres (CFCs) under ACES (Automation of Central Excise and Service Tax) project.

As per the MoU, ICAI members can now operate facilitation centre in case they fulfill the eligibility criteria after obtaining certificate from ICAI.

CBEC will issue a user name and password to the CFC on the basis of which, the CFC will be able to upload returns and other documents for central excise and service tax assesses.

The names of the CFCs along with their contact details as provided by the CFCs will be put up on the website of the ICAI and the CBEC. The MOU spells the eligibility criteria, fee schedule and obligations of CFCs.

CBEC had introduced ACES e-governance project to improve tax-payer services. ACES is a centralised web based application which enables the assesses to electronically interface with the department. It aims to reduce paperwork, transaction costs and increase accountability, efficiency and transparency.