Complete guide to RERA Form 3 (escrow withdrawal certification) and Form 5 (annual audit) — what each covers, which CA certifies, professional independence rules, and how ReraDesk automates both.
Last updated: March 2026 · Not legal advice — consult a qualified RERA advocate.
Under the RERA Act and state rules, real estate developers must obtain CA certification for key financial events. The two most common are Form 3 (escrow withdrawal) and Form 5 (annual audit). Both require a Chartered Accountant, but they serve different purposes at different times.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| What it is | CA certificate authorizing withdrawal from the RERA escrow account |
| Required when | Before every escrow withdrawal — typically 2–3 times per quarter per project |
| What CA certifies | Withdrawal is proportionate to construction completion; supported by Form 1 and Form 2 |
| UDIN required | Yes — counts towards the 60-per-FY ICAI cap |
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| What it is | Annual audited statement of project accounts |
| Required when | Once per year — typically within 6 months of financial year end |
| What CA certifies | Project accounts accurately reflect collections, expenditure, and escrow balance for the full year |
| UDIN required | Yes — counts towards the 60-per-FY ICAI cap |
RERA rules in some states require that the CA signing Form 3 and the CA signing Form 5 maintain professional independence — the same CA/firm should not certify both for the same project.