Request for Extension of ITR and Tax Audit Filing Deadlines for FY 2024-25

GCCI Seeks Extension of ITR and Tax Audit Deadlines

The Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) has written to the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) urging an extension of the due dates for filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) and Tax Audit Reports for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26).

Key Grounds Raised by GCCI

1. Delay in Release of Utilities and Forms

• Normally, return filing utilities are rolled out in April. This year, the first set was made available only in July.
• The ITR-5 utility—relevant for firms, LLPs, trusts and similar entities—was released as late as August 8, 2025.
• For non-audit cases, the statutory deadline of September 15 leaves a compressed compliance window, making accurate filing difficult.

2. Technical Glitches on the Income Tax Portal

• Practitioners continue to face frequent upload failures for returns and statutory forms.
• Mismatches between Form 26AS, AIS, and TIS for the same PAN remain unresolved.
• The portal suffers from performance slowdowns, login failures, and compatibility issues with newly introduced utilities, which often require post-release fixes.

3. New ICAI Reporting Format

• The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has introduced a revised vertical presentation format for financial statements of non-corporate entities.
• This requires comparative figures, expanded accounting policies, and additional disclosure details.
• Businesses and professionals are spending extra time reworking systems, reconciling records, and reviewing data to ensure compliance.

4. Festive Season Pressure

• The peak compliance period overlaps with the festive calendar from August to November—covering Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Onam, Eid-e-Milad, Navratri, Durga Puja, Dussehra, and Diwali.
• Offices operate with reduced manpower, and frequent regional holidays slow down review and filing work.

The Appeal

GCCI has requested the CBDT to provide additional time for both ITR filing and tax audit submissions. According to the chamber, such a step will not only ease the compliance burden on taxpayers and chartered accountants but also help ensure more accurate, error-free submissions.

Next Steps

Other professional bodies and trade associations facing similar challenges are also being encouraged to make representations. Any official announcement on extensions is awaited from the CBDT.