Chartered accountants and business groups are sounding the alarm: with the September 15 deadline for income tax filing looming, millions of honest taxpayers could be at risk of non-compliance. But this isn’t due to their own delays; it’s because of a system in disarray.
Major organizations like the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FKCCI) and the Chartered Accountants Association, Surat (CAAS) have formally urged the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to extend the deadline. They argue that taxpayers are being unfairly punished for problems beyond their control.
The core issues at hand are:
- Late Forms and Broken Systems: Critical ITR utilities were released as late as August 21, leaving barely six weeks for an intensive audit process. On top of this, the e-filing portal has been plagued by repeated failures and glitches.
- Natural Disasters: Severe flooding in multiple states has led to office closures and power outages, making it impossible for many to work. CAAS is not asking for a simple “extension” but rather “time compensation” for days lost to these disasters.
- Festive Season Conflict: The filing period’s final days overlap with the festive season, adding another layer of difficulty for those trying to meet the deadline.
Despite these widespread challenges, the Income Tax Department has remained silent. As the deadline gets closer, stakeholders warn that ignoring these pleas could erode public trust in the tax system and penalize honest citizens through no fault of their own.