Do you have a question about the fees and subscription process? Below are the answers to the questions we get asked the most about paying your annual fees and subscriptions.

2023 fee increase

1. Why has the Institute decided to increase fees at this time? 

   The decision to increase membership fees was taken by the Council of Chartered Accountants Ireland after careful consultation and deliberation, and as a result of rising cost pressures within the Institute in the current high inflationary environment. The Institute, like all small/medium enterprises, needs to ensure that it can continue to deliver for members in a sustainable way.

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2. What other actions have been considered to deal with the inflationary pressures within the Institute?

   Overall, the Institute is reinforcing a strong focus on cost control with a robust budgetary process in place. A recent cost and business model review undertaken by the Institute reiterates an increased emphasis on cost reduction and efficiencies. Many of the recommendations have already been implemented, with further consideration currently being given to the remainder. 

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3. How were the increases decided upon?

   Inflation rates guided the subscription increases. In deciding on the appropriate increase, the leadership team and oversight board reviewed a range of options, and a final decision was made by Council to increase the fees by €30 in ROI, £35 in GB & NI and €28 overseas. 

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4. Why is the increase for £ members higher than the € rate?

   The increase is consistent with the decision taken by Council in 2020 to reduce the historical Euro/Sterling differential. This was also one of the recommendations in the recent Institute cost and business model review.  

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5. What consideration has been given to varying salary rates and differentials between ROI and NI and regional locations in ROI?

   This has been factored into the decision process and given that member salaries can vary widely irrespective of the location it was felt that the approach taken was appropriate.

   For members who earn lower salary levels whether in NI or ROI there is an abatement process in place that provides support, and we have increased the bands and  budget for member abatements in 2023. 

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6. Why is the increase for overseas members higher than the ROI Rate?

   The increase is consistent with the decision taken by Council in 2020 to have greater alignment across annual subscription rates for members.

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7. How will the additional money be invested and spent?

   The money will help ensure that the Institute can continue to meet rising overheads and more importantly continue to deliver for/ to members in a sustainable way.  

   Some examples include:

   • Investing in the Chartered brand locally and internationally
   • Provision of career and professional development supports and services
   • Facilitating opportunities to leverage the member network
   • Sustainability initiatives
   • Investment in service improvements and new technology including digital services

    

   Full Financial Statements, including how member subscriptions are invested, are detailed in the Annual Report each year which is available for all members to view on our website. The most recent annual report can be viewed here.

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8. What consideration has been given to having different fee rates for different categories of members?

   The different fee rates for members are kept under regular review and take into consideration feedback from members. However, it is not a straightforward decision to make changes and consideration needs to be given to the approach and how it would be applied in an equitable manner. We will continue to keep this matter under review.

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Benefits of membership

9. What are the benefits of membership for me?

   As an Institute, we invest heavily in protecting, maintaining and building the chartered accountancy brand, a qualification that members worked hard to attain. This qualification is   recognised worldwide, and employers contact us on a regular basis to look for member verification.

   There has never been a more important time to be a part of the Chartered network of over 31,000 professionals, many operating at the highest levels of Irish and international business, assisting clients and organisation to overcome new business challenges. Your qualification is recognised and valued worldwide.

   As a member you benefit from the many resources, supports and services that the Institute has to offer. With many activities now online, there is an increasingly wide range of benefits wherever you are in the world. These include access to your local district societies, free CPD and webinars, career supports, member content and supports, and much more. Please see our Member Hub for more information.

   You can also hear directly from members on how to experience more with your membership here.

   To ensure you hear about the services and events most relevant to you, it is important to ensure the details we have on file for you are up to date. These can be updated via the MyAccount area on the website. For example, with the increase in working from home the District Society that you are currently ‘’signed up to’’ may no longer be the best fit.

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10. What services are available to members in GB, and overseas?

    Due to investment in virtual resources and services in the last two years, members based overseas now have access to far more of the resources previously available only in-person on the island of Ireland. Members have access to a wide range of CPD and Professional Development supports including courses, Diplomas, and events. Online access to careers support and coaching is also now available, including access to a global mentor programme, and Thrive services are also available online.

    In recent years, the Institute has also invested in additional resources to support members overseas including the appointment of a Global Members Manager and also an overseas members representative on Council to provide a voice for members around the world.

    We have also established additional District Societies and overseas Chapters. Through these, we facilitate engagement through a programme of social and professional networking events, as well as CPD opportunities.  By engaging like this on a regular basis with overseas members we can anticipate and respond to their needs as they evolve.

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11. How does being a member support my career?

    As an Institute, our aim is to support your career by providing a qualification and brand that opens doors for you and connects you with a network of over 31,000 Chartered Accountants in Ireland and globally. We provide relevant supports at each stage of your career including career coaching and mentoring, on-line career resources, professional development support and guidance as well as access to a wide range of job opportunities via our recruitment service and unique member connections via the chartered network of over 31,000 members.

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12. How does the Institute support members seeking employment?

    The Institute has an in-house dedicated career support service that is available to members free of charge. You can arrange a consultation with one of our career coaching and recruitment professionals who will provide you with expert advice in relation to your career and job search including CV and interview preparation. We also have a wide range of resources available online.

    Members who are in between roles and are actively seeking a new role may also be eligible to avail of up to 20 hours free CPD. (Subject to terms and conditions).

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13. What is CA Support and why am I being asked to pay a contribution?

    CA Support is a registered charity that exists solely for the purpose of providing practical and financial support to any member or student of Chartered Accountants Ireland, and their families, not just during their training and career but for the whole of their lives.

    As a charity, we rely entirely on the generosity of our members to fund these services. We help members and students with all kinds of challenges, at any stage of their careers. Critical illness, job loss, or family crisis can happen to any one of us, when we least expect it. We are passionate about continuing to provide financial support to anyone in the Chartered Accountancy family who needs it. We need your help to do this. Please visit CA Support to find out more about what we do, and to donate to this invaluable service to members and students in your community.

    Please note all member and student wellbeing services have moved to our new hub, Thrive. Please consider donating to CA Support when paying your renewals this year, or indeed at any other time of the year – it would mean the world to us and to all your fellow accountants who desperately need our help.

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Membership queries

14. How much should I pay for my membership for 2023?

    Your Renewal Notice, which will be available online in the My Account area of the website in December, will tell you what rate you are on and how much you need to pay.

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15. Can I put my membership on hold?

    Your subscription must be paid each year to remain a member and to enable you to use the ACA/FCA designation, therefore it is not possible to put your membership on hold. However, we do have a range of supports available for members to assist them with making payment. For more information contact the registry & subscriptions team in confidence.

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16. I have moved location; how do I change my rate?

    If you move overseas up to and including the end of April in the year of billing (2023), the overseas rate is available to you. To avail of this rate, you must be living/working outside Ireland/UK and have updated your overseas firm/home address on the My Account area of the website.

    Once you have updated your details, your invoice will be amended to the overseas rate within two working days. Please note that billing is based first on firm location, so you must update both home and business details.

    Similarly, if you are moving back to UK/Ireland from overseas you will need to update your details on My Account as above.

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17. I was admitted to membership late last year: why am I being invoiced again?

    The fees you pay on admission to membership cover you up to the end of that year: you will be invoiced in December for the following year’s annual subscription.

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18. When do I become an FCA?

    You automatically become an FCA on 1 January following 10 full years of membership.

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19. CPD - What counts towards your requirements?

    Please visit our CPD page for further advice and guidance on CPD requirements for members.

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Payment queries

20. When do I need to pay my fees?

    You will receive your renewal notice by email in early December confirming that your fees are available online. The deadline for payment is 30 April 2023

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21. How do I pay my subscription fees?

    The easiest and quickest way to pay is online through the My Account area on our website. Please note that our site is compliant with the PSD2 directive and uses 3D secure payment processing.

    You can pay direct to the Institute bank account by electronic transfer. All fees must be paid in the currency of the invoice you receive. Please be aware that you will be liable for any bank charges incurred for the transaction. You must ensure that your membership number is transmitted with your payment. Further details are available here.

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22. What do I do if I have problems paying online?

    If you experience difficulty when making payment online, please contact us and a member of the Registry team will assist you in completing the payment. Alternatively, you can make payment via Bank Transfer. You can view our bank details here.

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23. Why is Amex not accepted online?

    Unfortunately, our website is incompatible with American Express. If you have to pay with American Express, please contact us directly and we can provide you with support.

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24. I have forgotten my username/password. How can I log on to my account?

    If you have forgotten your username/password, click on the 'user ID' or 'password’ link below the login fields on the My Account page. Your new user ID/password will be emailed to you shortly. Any queries regarding accessing 'MyAccount' should be emailed to webmaster@charteredaccountants.ie.

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25. What happens if I don't pay my fees?

    If you have not renewed your Annual Subscription by 30 April 2023, you must pay a late payment charge, and your continued membership will be at risk and can result in cessation of membership. You do have the option to resign your membership if you no longer wish to remain a member of Chartered Accountants Ireland. Further information is available here.

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26. What do I do if I can’t pay my fees?

    We encourage you to contact us as soon as possible if you anticipate any difficulties in paying your subscription fees – we are here to help. You may be eligible for a reduced subscription. and we will be happy to tell you more about this option. If you contact us after 31 March, we may not be able to offer the full range of assistance.

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27. Can I pay my membership subscription in instalments?

    If you are in a situation where you are struggling to make the payment, we are open to discussing this in confidence with you on a case-by-case basis.

    If you are having financial difficulties or need further support, please contact us as early as possible so we can talk you through your membership subscription rate and other support options available.

    We do have a 3rd Party agreement with Premium Credit which members can also avail of to pay their fees. For further details see Premium Credit page (includes info on deadline dates).

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28. How can I get an invoice/receipt for my subscription?

    The Institute does not issue invoices as you have the option to renew or to cease your membership. Your renewal notice is available to print and pay in your My Account area. When you make a payment online, you will receive an email confirmation of payment. If you need a formal receipt, you will get this in the order history tab on your My Account.

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29. What do I do if I have paid an incorrect amount?

    If you think you have paid the wrong amount for 2023, please contact registry & subscriptions as soon as possible as we may be able to arrange a refund or provide you with the opportunity to address an underpayment/overpayment. We cannot adjust payments made for previous subscription years.

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30. Can my employer pay my subscription?

    Yes, your employer can make a payment by credit transfer. Bank details are on your invoice and please ensure they reference your membership number and name clearly. Alternatively, we would suggest making the payment yourself and expensing it back from your employer.

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31. Can you invoice my company directly for my subscription as they pay my fees?

    The annual subscription is the liability of the member, therefore we do not invoice companies on behalf of members; however, a copy of your invoice is available to download here.

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32. Can you amend the address information on renewal notice?

    We can only amend the address information on your renewal notice. Should you require an amended renewal notice to include your employer’s address details after the renewal notice issues, please update your employer details on My Account and then please contact registry & subscriptions to request an amended renewal notice. Please note that you are responsible for renewing your membership by the due date and not your employer.

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33. What impact does BIK have on my subscription if my employer is paying on my behalf?

    For advice on the impact of BIK on annual subscriptions please read the Revenue practice on payment of professional subscriptions by employer article.

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Retired members

34. What is the rate of subscription for retired members?

    Subscription for retired members is free. You will automatically qualify for this rate on 1st January following 40 years of membership.

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35. What if I am fully economically retired, semi-retired or retired and hold non-executive directorships?

    You can apply for a reduction in your fees if your income from all sources is below the 2023 threshold. For more information see 2023 abatement guidelines.

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36. I have retired from accountancy and see no value in remaining a member, what is the benefit for me?

    Just because you have retired does not mean you should give up your membership. You can view the list of benefits available to you as a retired member on our retired members page.

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