The Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has made an important request to the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). They are asking for an extension on the deadlines for filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) and Tax Audit Reports for the financial year 2024-25. GCCI’s Jainik Vakil highlighted several reasons for this request. The late release of necessary filing utilities is one major issue. Many of these utilities were only available in late July. This includes ITR-6 and ITR-7, which are still pending. Furthermore, taxpayers have faced frequent technical problems on the e-filing portal. These problems include mismatches in key forms and new formats introduced for non-corporate entities.
GCCI has proposed new deadlines to help taxpayers. They suggest that non-audit ITRs should be due by October 30. Audit reports should be submitted by November 30. Finally, they propose that ITRs for audit cases should be due by December 31. The aim of these new deadlines is to ease the pressure on taxpayers and improve the accuracy of returns.
The CBDT had already extended the ITR filing deadline for non-tax audit cases to September 15, 2025. Originally, the deadline was set for July 31, 2025. This extension provides relief to many taxpayers who are struggling with compliance, especially during the festive season.
The challenges faced by taxpayers include login issues, upload errors, and frequent downtimes on the portal. These issues particularly affect salaried individuals, professionals, and small businesses. Many are trying to meet their income tax return filing deadline and are finding it difficult due to these technical glitches.
The GCCI’s appeal highlights the need for reliable digital filing systems. They stress that while digital systems are essential, they must also be reliable. CA R. Mehta from Ahmedabad commented, “Extending the ITR deadline will ease pressure on honest taxpayers and ensure fair compliance.”
As the CBDT reviews this request, taxpayers are advised to stay updated. It is essential to monitor any official announcements regarding the ITR deadline extensions. The GCCI’s request includes detailed reasons for the extension, which they believe is necessary for ensuring accuracy in compliance.
The recent changes in ITR forms have introduced several new requirements. Taxpayers need additional time to adapt to these changes. The updated forms aim to simplify the filing process but require a well-functioning system for effective implementation. The CBDT has acknowledged the need for additional time to ensure that all systems are ready for these changes. They have committed to providing a seamless filing experience for all taxpayers.
The extension of the ITR filing deadline is particularly notable this year. The government has typically maintained the original due date for the past three years. This year’s extension may indicate a significant shift in how compliance issues are addressed.
The GCCI’s request and the CBDT’s response will be crucial in shaping the future of tax compliance in India. Taxpayers are encouraged to prepare their documents and stay informed about the filing process. It is vital to ensure that all returns are filed accurately and on time to avoid any penalties or interests.
In conclusion, the GCCI is advocating for a fair and efficient tax filing process. The extension of the deadlines could provide needed relief to taxpayers during these challenging times. All eyes are now on the CBDT for their decision regarding this request and the future of ITR filing in India.