Request for Extension of Income Tax Return Filing Deadline

The Advocates’ Tax Bar Association, a registered association under the Societies Act, has written a letter to the Minister of Finance requesting an extension of the income tax return filing deadline. The letter highlights the challenges faced by taxpayers and tax professionals, particularly in flood-affected regions, and seeks compassionate consideration during these exceptional circumstances.

The letter acknowledges the efforts of the government in addressing natural calamities and expresses gratitude for their attention to the concerns of citizens. It emphasizes the current convergence of Goods and Services Tax Returns filing deadlines with the income tax return filing deadline, posing difficulties for taxpayers and tax professionals. The adverse impact of floods on infrastructure and connectivity further hampers compliance with the impending deadlines. The association humbly requests a 60-day extension, until September 30, 2023, to provide relief and enable individuals to focus on recovery efforts while fulfilling their tax obligations.

TEXT OF THE REPRESENTATION IS AS FOLLOWS:- 

ADVOCATES’ TAX BAR ASSOCIATION
(Registered Under Societies Act,1860 Having Members All Over India)
GH -5 & 7, Flat No. 520, Paschim Vihar, New Delhi-110087
M. No: 76077 79800  E-mail otbaindia@gmail.com  Website: atba.in

Ref.: ATBA/Rep./2023-24/01 Date 12.07.2023

To,
The Minister of Finance,
Ministry of Finances,
Government of India
New Delhi,

Dear Madam,

Subject: Request for Extension of Income Tax Return Filing Deadline.

With due respect, I am writing to you on behalf of the members of the Advocates Tax Bar Association, an esteemed association comprising tax advocates from across India. We deeply appreciate the efforts of the government in addressing the challenges faced by the citizens of our country, especially during times of natural calamities.

As you are aware, several parts of our country are currently experiencing continuous floods and heavy rainfall, resulting in widespread devastation and loss of life and property. These unfortunate circumstances have severely impacted the lives and livelihoods of our fellow citizens, including our members. In light of these distressing events, we kindly request your attention to an urgent matter that affects the tax community.

The Goods and Services Tax Returns filing deadlines have coincided with the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) of non-audit cases (31st July 2023). There must be gap between dates for these compliances for allowing taxpayers/ tax-professionals to allocate their time and resources effectively. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the current convergence of these deadlines has posed significant challenges for taxpayers/tax-professionals, particularly in flood-affected regions.

Our members, who diligent serve as tax advocates and consultants, are finding it extremely difficult to fulfill their professional obligations within the exiting timeframe. The ongoing disaster response efforts and the subsequent impact on infrastructure, transportation, and connectivity have made it almost impossible for them to meet the impending deadlines.

In light of these exceptional circumstances. we humbly request your Intervention In extending the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns by a period of 60 days, till September 30, 2023. This extension would provide much-needed relief to taxpayers/tax-professionals, allowing them to focus on rehabilitation and recovery efforts in flood affected areas, while also ensuring compliance with their tax obligations.

We understand that the government’s resources are also stretched during these challenging times, and we greatly appreciate your attention to our concerns. We firmly believe that an extension of the Income tax return fling deadline wood demonstrate the government’s compassion and understanding towards the difficulties faced by taxpayer professionals In flood affected regions.

We are confident that your wisdom and leadership will guide you In making the right decision to support the taxpayer/tax-professional affected by this unfortunate series of events. On behalf of the members of Advocates’ Tax Bar association. I express our sincere gratitude for considering our request and assure you of our continued cooperation in buildings stronger and more resilient India.

thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

Yours faithfully,

(Om Kumar)
National General Secretary
Advocates’ Tax Bar Association