The last date for filing income tax returns for FY 2022-23 and Assessment Year 2023-24 is July 31, 2023.
However, due to the widespread floods and waterlogging in many states of the country, demands are rising to extend the deadline beyond July 31, 2023.
The Sales Tax Bar Association, the country’s oldest and largest body of tax professionals, has written a letter to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, urging her to consider an extension.
In their letter, the association highlighted the closure of many offices, including the Income Tax office located at ITO, due to the flood situation in Delhi.
They expressed concern that the approaching deadline makes it difficult for a large number of taxpayers to submit all necessary documents on time.
Hence, they requested an extension of one month, until August 31, 2023, to file income tax returns.
Besides the Finance Minister, the association has also approached the CBDT chairman, seeking an extension of the deadline.
The problem of floods is not limited to Delhi alone; several states in North India, including Himachal Pradesh, have been affected by this natural disaster.
Despite the demands, Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra had previously stated that the Finance Ministry is not considering extending the date for filing income tax returns.
However, the situation has prompted a growing demand to provide relief to taxpayers affected by heavy monsoon, floods, and mountain crises.
As of July 18, 2023, the Income Tax Department reported that 3.06 crore taxpayers have already filed their ITR, achieving this milestone seven days earlier than the previous year.
Out of these, 2.81 crore ITRs have been e-verified, and 1.50 crore ITRs have been processed.
Nevertheless, the department encourages people to file their returns as soon as possible.
