Punjab Accountants Association has submitted a formal request to the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, seeking an extension of due dates for filing Income Tax and GST returns. The association highlights the difficulties faced by taxpayers and accounting professionals in Punjab and other flood-affected states due to recent floods and heavy rainfall. The letter, dated September 2, 2025, details the ground realities, including damage to business infrastructure and financial records, widespread power and internet outages, and the displacement of people. The association notes that the concurrent deadlines for various returns, coupled with the psychological and financial stress of the natural calamity, make it unfeasible for people to meet their compliance obligations. They argue that an extension would enable accurate, error-free submissions after normalcy is restored, aligning with the government’s previous actions during disasters like the COVID-19 pandemic. The request seeks an extension for Income Tax Returns and Audit Reports for Assessment Year 2025-26, as well as several GST returns.
THE PUNJAB ACCOUNTANTS ASSOCIATION
(Regd. Vide No. 304 of 2019-20 under the Societies Registration Act, 1860)
OFFICE : R. K. ASSOCIATES, SEHDEV MARKET, JALANDHAR CITY
E-mail : tpaa.accttpb@gmail.com, Mob : 98151-98051, 98780-20386, 98153-23059
Dated 02-09-2025
To
Hon’ble Minister of Finance
Government of India
North Block, New Delhi – 110001
Subject: Request for Extension of Due Dates for Filing of Income Tax and GST Returns in view of Flood Situation in Punjab and Other States
Respected Madam,
We, on behalf of The Punjab Accountants Association (TPAA), respectfully submit this representation to seek urgent relief for taxpayers and professionals in the wake of the recent floods and excessive rainfall across Punjab and several other States of India.
The floods have caused large-scale disruption of life and economic activity, leading to unprecedented hardships for the business community and accounting professionals. In this context, the presently prescribed deadlines under Income Tax and GST laws are extremely difficult to meet.
Ground Realities faced in Punjab and Other Flood-Affected States:
- Damage to Infrastructure and Records: Many offices, shops, and homes of taxpayers and accountants have been submerged or damaged, resulting in loss or inaccessibility of crucial accounting records.
- Connectivity and Power Breakdowns: Long power cuts, internet breakdowns, and damage to communication networks have made it impossible to upload returns on the Income Tax and GST portals.
- Displacement of People: Several small businesses and households have been forced to shift temporarily, leaving them unable to focus on compliance amidst the crisis.
- Simultaneous Deadlines: The concurrent due dates for Income Tax Returns and GST Returns (monthly/annual) have added undue pressure in this extraordinary situation.
- Psychological and Financial Stress: Taxpayers and professionals are prioritizing rehabilitation and restoration of basic needs, which naturally delays compliance.
Our Humble Prayer:
In light of these genuine hardships, we earnestly request your kind intervention to grant an extension of due dates for the following:
Income Tax Returns and Audit Reports for Assessment Year 2025-26 GST Returns, including GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, and other Returns
This extension will provide much-needed relief to affected taxpayers and professionals and ensure accurate compliance once normalcy is restored, rather than forced and error-prone submissions under duress.
We believe such a step would reflect the Government’s empathy and support for citizens during this natural calamity, in line with past relief measures granted during disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.
We trust that our humble request will receive your urgent and sympathetic consideration.
Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,
For The Punjab Accountants Association (TPAA)
Dharminder Sikka
President
Varinder Sharma
Gen. Secretary
