Income Tax Return filing deadline extends upto Dec 31

On Thursday, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has announced to extend the income tax return (ITR) filing deadline for the financial year 2020-21 from September 30 to December 31, 2021. The announcement of extension came as relief after several taxpayers expressed their dissatisfaction with the new income tax portal while filing ITR in the last few months. 

On June 7, the Income Tax department had introduced a new tax e-filing portal for a smooth and hassle free ITR filing process. The new portal offers tons of new features to provide a "modern and seamless experience to taxpayers". 

In a statement on Thursday, the CBDT said, "On consideration of difficulties reported by the taxpayers and other stakeholders in filing of Income Tax Returns and various reports of audit for the Assessment Year 2021-22 under the Income-tax Act, 1961(the “Act”), Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has decided to further extend the due dates for filing of Income Tax Returns and various reports of audit for the Assessment Year 2021-22." 

Further the CBDT stated, "The due date of furnishing of return of Income for the Assessment Year 2021-22, which was 31st July, 2021 under sub-section (1) of section 139 of the Act, as extended to 30th September, 2021 vide Circular No.9/2021 dated 20.05.2021, is hereby further extended to 31st December, 2021." 

Aarti Raote, partner, Deloitte India said, "This is a welcome move considering the glitches of the tax website has still to be resolved. However one needs to note that where taxes are payable, the interest levy for default and deferment in advance taxes would continue till the filing of the tax return. Hence it is ideal that the tax payers pay taxes and file their returns as soon as feasible."