Request for Income Tax Return Deadline Extension in Gujarat – AY 2023-24

The All Gujarat Federation of Tax Consultants (AGFTC) and the Income Tax Bar Association (ITBA) have jointly written a request to the Honorable Finance Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, and the Central Board of Direct Taxes. They seek an extension of the due date for filing Income Tax Returns for the assessment year 2023-24. The request is in response to the heavy rain and flooding that has severely impacted the state of Gujarat, hindering individuals and businesses from fulfilling their tax obligations.

The AGFTC and ITBA are prominent bodies representing tax professionals in Gujarat, working for both the welfare of professionals and educating the public on taxation matters. They highlight the devastating effects of heavy rain and flooding in Gujarat, disrupting transportation, communication, and essential services. The dire situation has led to difficulties for taxpayers in accessing financial documents, online services, and engaging in regular economic activities. In view of these extraordinary circumstances, the associations earnestly request an extension of the income tax return filing deadline from 31st July 2023 to 31st August 2023. They emphasize the need for flexibility and compassion from tax authorities during these challenging times and provide supporting documents to showcase the severity of the situation.

Conclusion: The request made by the All Gujarat Federation of Tax Consultants and Income Tax Bar Association is a plea for understanding and support from the government in light of the natural calamity that has hit Gujarat. Extending the deadline for income tax return filing would provide much-needed relief to taxpayers in the affected region, allowing them ample time to recover from the disaster and meet their tax responsibilities. The associations hope for a positive response from the esteemed board, acknowledging the difficulties faced by taxpayers in Gujarat and demonstrating compassion and consideration in these trying times.

All Gujarat Federation of Tax Consultants

Dt. 26th July 2023

To
Hon’ble Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman
Honourable Finance Minister
Ministry of Finance
134, North Block, Parliament Street
New Delhi – 110001
fmo@nic.in

Respected Sir/Madam,

Sub: Request for Extension of Due date for filling Income Tax Return for taxpayer whose accounts are not required to be audited for AY 2023-24 due to Heavy Rain and Flood

1. About Federation and Association:

The All Gujarat Federation of Tax Consultants (AGFTC) founded in 1992, is the first and only Apex Regional Body of Advocates, Chartered Accountants and Tax Practitioners / Tax Professionals of Gujarat, having membership strength of 1500 professional and institutional membership of 37 local bar associations from all the District of Gujarat.

The Income Tax Bar Association (ITBA) is established in 1947 with an aim to represent issues of tax consultants and increase awareness among taxpayers. The Income Tax Bar Association is one of the oldest and active bar association in India. It is regularly organizing Conferences, Study Circle Meetings, Two Day Tax Conclave so on & so forth for the benefit of the members. It has a membership strength of more than 1200 Tax Advocates, Chartered Accountants, and Tax Practitioners.

The prime object of the federation and association is not only to work for the cause of the professionals but also educate the public at large. We act as a Catalyst between citizen and Government authorities. We regularly organize Seminars, Webinars, Tax Conclave and Lecture on legal awareness in mofussil areas across the Gujarat. The Two-Day Tax Conclave is the landmark event of the Association which has become an annual bookmark for the tax professionals in the state of Gujarat.

2. We are writing this request to bring to your attention the current challenging situation in different parts of India and also in the state of Gujarat, which has been severely affected by heavy rain and flooding.

3. As a president of both the organizations in the state of Gujarat, we are concerned about the difficulties faced by individuals and businesses in fulfilling their tax obligations in such circumstances. As you may be aware, the torrential rains and flooding in Gujarat have caused widespread disruption to transportation, communication, and essential services. The impact of these natural calamities has been far-reaching, leading to loss of property, livelihoods, and even lives. Further in several areas of Gujarat Electricity was down due to rain and flood causing internet disruption. During these distressing times, many taxpayers are facing difficulties in gathering necessary financial documents, accessing online services, and engaging in normal economic activities, which has hindered their ability to complete tax-related tasks.

4. In light of the exceptional situation prevailing in the state, we earnestly request your Honor / Central Board of Direct Taxes to consider extending the last date for filing Income Tax Returns for the assessment year 2023-24 from the current deadline of 31st July 2023 to 31st August 2023. This extension would provide much-needed relief to the taxpayers, allowing them sufficient time to recover from the disaster and fulfill their tax responsibilities without undue burden.

5. We understand that the tax filing deadline is of utmost importance to ensure smooth tax administration, but the unprecedented circumstances affected region necessitate flexibility and compassion from the tax authorities. An extension of the deadline would demonstrate the government’s understanding of the challenges faced by the taxpayers in the affected region and would go a long way in helping them cope with the aftermath of the natural calamity.

6. We have attached documents supporting the news of heavy rain and flooding in Gujarat, which highlight the severity of the situation and its impact on the lives of the residents. We trust that the Central Board of Direct Taxes will carefully consider this request and take appropriate action to alleviate the tax compliance burden faced by the people of Gujarat.

7. We humbly request you to consider the request made by All Gujarat Federation of Tax Consultants (AGFTC) and Income Tax Bar Association (ITBA) and oblige.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to a positive response from the esteemed board.

Yours sincerely,

For All Gujarat Federation of Tax Consultants

For Income Tax Bar Association

C.C.

To

Hon’ble Chairman, Central Board of Direct Taxes,
North Block, NEW DELHi-1 10001
Email: chairmancbdt@nic.in

To

Hon’ble Pr. Chief Commissioner of Income Tax,
Gujarat Aaykar Bhavan, Income Tax, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad- 380009
Email: ahmedabad.pccit@incometax.gov.in