The Central Board of Direct Taxes ( CBDT ) has officially announced an extension for the submission of audited Income Tax (IT) returns for AY 2024-25. The original deadline of October 31, 2024, has been pushed back to November 15, 2024, providing a 15-day relief to taxpayers and businesses facing the mandatory audit requirements under the Income Tax Act, 1961. This decision addresses challenges related to the preparation and filing of returns within the initial deadline, offering additional time to ensure compliance.
Key Points on the Deadline Extension for AY 2024-25
1. Who Benefits from This Extension?
The extended deadline applies to taxpayers required to undergo an audit, including businesses, firms, and certain individuals whose turnover exceeds the prescribed threshold under the Income Tax Act. These entities typically include companies and professionals who are mandated to file their IT returns after their accounts are audited by a chartered accountant.
2. Why Has the Deadline Been Extended?
The CBDT’s decision to extend the deadline for filing audited returns is aimed at easing the pressures that many taxpayers face during the filing period. With a higher volume of returns being filed and complexities arising in audits, tax professionals and taxpayers have voiced concerns over the tight timelines, particularly given the recent updates to the tax reporting requirements. The additional two-week period is expected to support a more streamlined filing process.
What This Means for Taxpayers
The extended deadline is a strategic move by the CBDT to reduce last-minute filing pressure, minimizing the risk of errors or penalties for delayed submissions. While taxpayers and professionals gain additional time, the CBDT advises early submissions to avoid a backlog and system congestion as the new deadline approaches.
Revised Deadlines for Non-Audited Returns Remain Unchanged
It’s important to note that this extension is exclusively for audited IT returns. Individuals and entities not required to undergo an audit were still expected to file their returns by July 31, 2024, unless extensions or reliefs were previously granted under special circumstances.
How to Ensure Timely Filing of Audited Returns
Here are some practical tips to help taxpayers meet the extended deadline:
– Review Financials Thoroughly: Audited returns require precise financial data, so ensure all records are accurate.
– Communicate with Auditors Early: Given the heavy workload on auditors, early scheduling can prevent delays.
– Check for Changes in IT Rules: Regular updates in tax filing rules can impact compliance, so stay informed.
– Use the Income Tax Department’s e-filing Platform: The IT Department offers a robust online platform to facilitate easy filing, especially helpful for handling audited accounts.
Avoiding Penalties Beyond November 15, 2024
Taxpayers who fail to file audited returns by the new November 15 deadline may be subject to penalties under Section 234F of the Income Tax Act, which imposes a fine for late filing. Additionally, entities could lose the ability to carry forward certain losses if returns are not filed on time.
Key Takeaways
The extension of the audited IT return deadline to November 15, 2024, provides taxpayers with much-needed flexibility in meeting filing requirements for AY 2024-25. To ensure compliance and avoid penalties, taxpayers are encouraged to leverage this additional time effectively, collaborate closely with their auditors, and submit returns well in advance of the revised deadline.
Stay updated with the latest from the CBDT to ensure your returns are filed accurately and on time.