The Certificate in Tax and Estate Planning (CITEP) equips financial advisors with the knowledge to help clients — both individuals and business owners — plan their taxes efficiently. This means ensuring full compliance with statutory requirements while simultaneously making use of the provisions in tax laws to maximise legitimate savings and investments.
Beyond tax planning, CITEP covers estate planning: the structured approach to managing and transferring wealth in a manner that protects the interests of the client and their beneficiaries. This dual focus makes CITEP holders uniquely valuable to clients seeking comprehensive life and business financial planning.
CITEP is the third module in the path to the FChFP (Fellow, Chartered Financial Practitioner) designation, awarded jointly by LUGI and the ICSB (International Certification Standard Board) of Singapore.
The CITEP programme comprises the following subject:
Programme Details
Candidates must be members of LUGI in good standing and employed directly or indirectly in the Indian Financial Services industry.
Insurance advisors, financial intermediaries, mutual fund distributors, bank employees in financial services, and employees of asset management or financial planning companies are eligible.
Applicants should hold at least a Secondary School Certificate (SSC / 10th pass) or equivalent.
The CITEP curriculum covers one comprehensive subject: Tax and Estate Planning for Individuals and Business Owners. Key topics include:
- Basics of Indian Income Tax — Assessment, Computation, Filing
- Tax Deductions and Exemptions under the Income Tax Act
- Tax-Saving Investment Products and Strategies
- Tax Planning for Salaried Individuals and Self-Employed
- Tax Planning for Business Owners and Partnerships
- Introduction to Estate Planning — Wills, Nominations, Trusts
- Business Succession Planning and Transfer of Business Assets
- Integration of Tax and Estate Planning in Financial Advisory
The programme is delivered in a classroom-based, part-time format designed to suit working professionals in the financial services industry.
Teaching methods include expert lectures on tax law, case study analysis covering real client tax scenarios, group workshops on estate planning structures, and interactive discussions to bridge theory with practice.
Study materials are structured to demystify complex tax legislation, presenting it in a clear and practical manner relevant to client advisory situations.
The part-time format allows candidates to balance professional commitments while completing the programme. LUGI chapter networks provide additional peer learning and mentorship support.
Classroom sessions are held at authorised LUGI chapter locations across India, typically scheduled on weekends or evenings to accommodate working professionals.
The subject concludes with a thorough review session before the examination to consolidate learning on all key tax and estate planning concepts.
Examinations are conducted periodically throughout the year. The schedule is announced by the LUGI Secretariat and communicated to all registered candidates in advance.
Results are published on the LUGI website and communicated individually to candidates. Successful candidates receive the CITEP certificate.
Enrolment is open to eligible LUGI members. Candidates can contact their nearest LUGI chapter or reach the LUGI Secretariat at info@lugi.org to begin the enrolment process.
Completed enrolment forms and required documents must be submitted before the commencement of each batch.
Programme fees are payable to LUGI as per the current fee schedule. Fees cover study materials, classroom instruction, examination registration, and certificate processing upon successful completion.
Payment can be made by demand draft, online transfer, or other modes specified by the Secretariat. Contact info@lugi.org for the current fee schedule.
Candidates are bound by the Code of Ethics of LUGI throughout the programme and after receiving the CITEP designation.
LUGI reserves the right to amend programme terms, fees, and schedules with reasonable notice to enrolled candidates.
CITEP is the third of four modules required to earn the prestigious FChFP (Fellow, Chartered Financial Practitioner) designation, awarded jointly by LUGI and ICSB (International Certification Standard Board) of Singapore.
Completing CITEP along with CIP, CIRP, and FPA qualifies you for the FChFP designation — an internationally recognised credential across Asia Pacific member countries.