CABookkeeper FAQ
Last updated 2026-10-25 · by Surge Software
What is CABookkeeper?
An AI bookkeeping desk for Indian CA firms. It reads bank statements and GST invoices, maps them to each client's ledgers, and gives you Tally-ready vouchers, GSTR-2B reconciliation, GSTR-1/3B working, TDS checks and notice-reply drafts.
Is CABookkeeper really free?
Yes. Every feature, unlimited clients and staff are free. The only charge today is the cloud AI fallback, passed through at the provider's price with no markup, plus 18% GST. Our own AI server is free to you.
Do I still need Tally?
Yes. CABookkeeper does the data entry, checks and GST/TDS work; Tally Prime stays your ledger. You import our Tally XML (ledger masters first, then vouchers).
Can it post straight into Tally?
The desktop bridge that posts to Tally's XML server on port 9000 is in pilot and has been tested against a simulated Tally. The XML download and import works today.
Which bank statements can it read?
Statements downloaded from net-banking as PDF, Excel (.xlsx) or CSV. We have tested HDFC (PDF), ICICI (Excel) and SBI (CSV) layouts; other banks are read by detecting the columns. Scanned statements are not supported yet.
How does it check a statement was read correctly?
Every row must satisfy previous balance + deposit − withdrawal = balance. If a row breaks the chain, the import tells you where.
How does ledger mapping work?
First the rules it learned for that client from your earlier corrections, then Indian narration patterns (UPI, NEFT, GST, TDS, salary, rent…), then matching the party to the client's ledgers, and only then AI — which must pick a ledger that exists.
Can it read invoice photos?
Text PDFs are read without AI and checked (GSTIN check digit, totals, CGST = SGST, IGST vs state). Photos and scans are read by AI and are in beta.
Does it reconcile GSTR-2B?
Yes. Upload the GSTR-2B JSON from the GST portal; purchase invoices are matched even when the invoice number is written differently, and you see ITC at risk and ITC not yet claimed in rupees.
Can it file GSTR-1 or GSTR-3B?
It prepares the GSTR-1 JSON and the GSTR-3B working. You upload or file them on the GST portal; direct filing needs a GSP licence and is not available.
What TDS work does it do?
It flags payments where TDS under 194C, 194J, 194I, 194H, 194A or 194Q looks due but was not deducted, books the TDS journal in one click, builds the 26Q working as CSV, and matches Form 26AS against the books.
Can clients send documents themselves?
Yes. Each client gets a secure upload link (30 days, no login). You send it by email from our server or by your own WhatsApp in one click. Requests with no upload after 3 days show as follow-ups.
Does it send WhatsApp messages for me?
Not yet. Sending WhatsApp from our server is coming soon. Today the app opens WhatsApp with the message ready and you press Send.
Does it support Hindi, Telugu, Tamil or other languages?
Not yet. Client chat and messages are in English today; Indian-language chat and voice notes are coming soon.
Can I ask questions about a client's books?
Yes. Type “unpaid vendors > 60 days” or “cash payments above 10000” on a client's Ask tab, or “which clients have ITC at risk above 50000” on the dashboard. Common questions are answered without AI.
Does it draft replies to GST or income-tax notices?
Yes. Paste a notice such as DRC-01C, ASMT-10 or 143(1)(a); it identifies the type and reply date, adds the client's own figures and drafts a reply marked for CA review. It never files anything.
Can my staff use it?
Yes. Roles are owner, manager, staff and viewer. Staff see only the clients assigned to them. Every change is in an append-only audit trail.
Where does the AI run?
On Surge's own AI server first. A cloud model (Claude) is used only when ours is down, slow or gives an answer that fails our checks. Client data is never used to train models.
Where is my data hosted?
The app and database run on our own servers in Bengaluru. Email is sent through Resend and the AI fallback is Claude, both outside India.
How do I get started?
Sign up (free), add a client with its GSTIN and bank account, upload a bank statement, approve the suggested ledgers, then download the Tally XML and import it.
Who makes it?
Surge Software Solutions Private Limited, Bengaluru (surgesoftware.co.in). Write to [email protected].
Still have a question? Use the chat bubble, read the docs, or write to [email protected].