The All India Congress Committee’s Professionals’ Congress has written to the Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, expressing concern over the CBDT’s delay in issuing Income Tax Return (ITR) forms and utilities for Assessment Year 2025-26. As of June 27, 2025, only ITR-1 and ITR-4 forms have been released, despite a filing deadline extension to September 15, 2025. This delay, described as unprecedented, is causing hardship for taxpayers and professionals. Citizens are unable to file returns needed for applications (e.g., visas, loans), while businesses face stalled credit facilities. Audit planning for Chartered Accountants is also significantly impacted, potentially leading to further compliance issues. The letter calls for accountability, public disclosure of reasons for the delay, a clear roadmap for future timely releases, proactive extensions for tax audits, and assurances that no adverse consequences will be faced by taxpayers due to this administrative issue.
ALL INDIA CONGRESS COMMITTEE
Professionals’ Congress
CA. VIPIN SHARMA
National Head,
CA Vertical, AIPC
CA. PARAG BHUJBAL
Maharashtra State Head,
CA Vertical, AIPC
27th June 2025
To,
Mrs. Nirmala Sitharaman,
The Hon’ble Finance Minister of India
Ministry of Finance,
North Block, New Delhi – 110001
Subject : Request for Accountability, Clarity, and Timely Action Regarding Delay in Issuance of ITR Forms and Utilities for AY 2025-26.
Respected Madam,
I am writing to express deep concern and disappointment regarding the inordinate delay by the CBDT in issuing Income Tax Return (ITR) forms and utilities for the Assessment Year 2025-26. While it is appreciated that the CBDT has recently suo-moto extended the ITR filing deadline to 15th September 2025, the manner and timing of these actions-reflect poorly on administrative planning and have caused widespread hardship to taxpayers, professionals, and institutions alike.
As of today, only forms no. ITR-1 and ITR-4, albeit belated, are issued who have very limited applicability. The remaining main and important forms are yet not issued which are eagerly awaited by all.
The delay is unprecedented and is contrary to established judicial precedents, including directions from various High Courts, which mandate the timely release of ITR forms — ideally before the close of the financial year — to enable smooth compliance. The repercussions of this delay are severe:
- Ordinary citizens are unable to file returns required for visa applications, educational admissions, fee concessions, and loans. ITR is considered a very important income proof for such various purposes.
- Delayed filing also involves additional outgo on account of interest on payment of self-assessment tax that is determined only while filing the ITR’s.
- Businesses and professionals are facing stalled credit facilities, credit renewal issues, and cash flow disruptions as banks require ITRs for their processes.
- Audit planning for CA’s and industry alike is severely impacted, with a cascading effect on the timelines for tax audits, statutory audits, and related ITR filings. This will undoubtedly require further extensions for audits and associated filings, thereby compressing timelines and creating avoidable compliance chaos.
- Tax professionals, including Chartered Accountants, tax consultants. and lawyers, are facing disruption in their work schedules and earnings due to this administrative failure.
Respected Madam, while the extension to 15th September offers temporary relief, it is not solution. The absence of clear guidelines, explanations, or a future roadmap from CBDT has added to uncertainty and shaken confidence in the compliance ecosystem.
We therefore earnestly request the following
1. Accountability of officials responsible for this avoidable delay. Action must be taken to ensure such negligence is not repeated.
2. Public disclosure of reasons for the delay, so that stakeholders can I understand and plan accordingly.
3. Issuance of a clear roadmap and guidelines ensuring timely release of ITR forms and utilities in future years.
4. Proactive extension of due dates for tax audits, statutory reports, and related ITR filings in light of the compressed compliance calendar caused by this delay.
5. Firm commitment that no taxpayer or professional will face penalty, interest, or adverse consequences due to this administrative lapse.
Your immediate intervention is essential to restore confidence in the tax administration and safeguard the interests of honest taxpayers and hardworking profession.
We look forward to your kind and urgent action in this matter.
Yours faithfully,
CA. Vipin Sharma
National Head, CA Vertical
CA. Parag Bhujbal
Maharashtra State Head, CA Vertical
