Mon Sep 30 14:20:10 UTC 2024: ## Tax Audit Deadline Extended: CBDT Grants Relief Amidst E-Filing Portal Issues

**New Delhi, September 30, 2024:** In a move that brings relief to taxpayers facing difficulties with the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has extended the deadline for filing audit reports for Assessment Year 2024-25. The new deadline is now **October 7, 2024**, instead of the original September 30 deadline.

The extension applies to all taxpayers, including individuals, companies, and other assessees, who were initially required to submit a tax audit report by September 30. This includes those whose income tax returns are due by October 31, 2024.

The CBDT’s decision comes in response to reports of widespread technical glitches and slow performance on the e-filing portal, making it difficult for taxpayers to navigate and submit their audit reports.

The CBDT cited these technical difficulties in its official circular dated September 29, 2024, and invoked its authority under Section 119 of the Income Tax Act to extend the deadline.

Tax experts have welcomed the extension, but cautioned taxpayers against complacency. They emphasized that while the extension offers some breathing room, those who fail to submit their audit reports by the new deadline of October 7 may still face penalties and have their income tax returns flagged as defective.

The extension is particularly beneficial for taxpayers who faced the risk of missing the original deadline and incurring penalties of up to Rs 1.5 lakh or 0.5% of their total sales.

Given the ongoing issues with the e-filing portal, some tax experts are hopeful that the deadline for filing income tax returns (ITR) might also be extended beyond the current October 31 date, especially considering the Diwali festivities in early November.

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