Gujarat Industry Chamber Urges CBDT to Extend ITR Filing Deadline
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has set a deadline of September 15 for filing income tax returns (ITRs) and tax audit reports for Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26. However, the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has recently urged the CBDT to extend this deadline, citing delays in the release of ITR utilities and technical issues on the tax portal.
The GCCI, which is a prominent industry chamber in Gujarat, has written to the CBDT expressing its concerns and requesting a deferment of the deadline. The chamber has argued that the current deadline is unrealistic and may lead to difficulties for taxpayers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in meeting the deadline.
The GCCI has pointed out that the ITR utilities, which are essential for filing tax returns, have not been released on time. The chamber has stated that the utility is expected to be released on August 22, but it has not been made available yet. This has caused inconvenience to taxpayers, who are now facing a tight deadline to file their returns.
Furthermore, the GCCI has highlighted the technical issues on the tax portal, which are causing difficulties for taxpayers in filing their returns. The chamber has stated that many taxpayers are facing errors and discrepancies while filing their returns, which is leading to a lot of frustration and anxiety.
In its letter to the CBDT, the GCCI has requested an extension of the deadline to September 30 or October 15, whichever is feasible. The chamber has argued that this will give taxpayers sufficient time to file their returns and avoid any penalties or fines.
The GCCI’s request comes at a time when the CBDT has been facing criticism for its handling of the income tax filing process. The tax authorities have been accused of being slow in releasing ITR utilities and technical issues on the tax portal, which has caused difficulties for taxpayers.
The CBDT has been under pressure to simplify the income tax filing process and reduce the compliance burden on taxpayers. However, the current deadline for filing ITRs and tax audit reports is seen as unrealistic and may lead to difficulties for taxpayers.
The GCCI’s request is likely to be supported by other industry chambers and trade associations, which have been advocating for a simplification of the income tax filing process. The chamber’s request is also likely to be supported by taxpayers, who are facing difficulties in meeting the current deadline.
In conclusion, the GCCI’s request for an extension of the deadline for filing ITRs and tax audit reports is reasonable and necessary. The CBDT should take immediate action to address the delays in releasing ITR utilities and technical issues on the tax portal. An extension of the deadline will give taxpayers sufficient time to file their returns and avoid any penalties or fines.
