ITR Update: There is a demand to extend the deadline for filing ITR, will the Income Tax Department provide relief?

The last date for filing an Income Tax Return (ITR) for Assessment Year 2024-25 is 31st July. If you do not file the return by the deadline, then you will have to face many other problems along with the penalty. Also, interest will not be available on delayed refunds.

So far more than five and a half crore taxpayers have filed ITR. But, still, many taxpayers have not filed their ITR. In such a situation, there is a demand to extend the deadline for filing returns. Let us know whether the Income Tax Department will extend the deadline or not.

Demand for extension of deadline rising.
The All India Tax Practitioners Federation (AIFTP) has demanded the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) extend the deadline for filing ITR. The Vyapari Mahasangh says that many parts of the country are facing natural disasters like floods and landslides. Due to this, taxpayers are facing difficulty in filing returns. In such a situation, CBDT should extend the deadline for filing ITR from 31 July to 31 August.

The problem in 'e-filing portal'
Many people are complaining about technical problems in the 'e-filing portal' of the Income Tax Department on social media platforms. Due to this, there is a problem in downloading and submitting income tax forms. Citing this, there is also a demand to extend the deadline for filing ITR. The hashtag #IncomeTaxSiteIssues was also trending on the social media platform X.

Will the deadline be extended?
Earlier, the Income Tax Department often extended the last date for filing ITR. But, last year it did not extend the deadline even once. After July 31, taxpayers had to file belated ITR with a penalty. In such a situation, it would not be right to wait for the deadline to be extended. You should file your ITR as soon as possible.

Process after the deadline
If you file ITR after the deadline i.e. after July 31, then a fine will be imposed according to your income. If your annual income is less than Rs 5 lakh, then you will have to pay a penalty of Rs 1000 for filing a belated ITR. At the same time, those with an annual income of more than Rs 5 lakh will have to pay a fine of Rs 5000.