Last date for e-filing of I-T return extended to Sep 7

The government today extended the last date for e-filing of Income Tax return by a week to September 7. The government had received various representations that taxpayers have faced difficulties in e-filing of returns across the country due to slowing down of certain e-services on August 31, 2015, the earlier due date. "Considering these representations, the Central Board Direct Taxes (CBDT) has extended the 'due-date' for E-filing returns of income from August 31, 2015 to September 7, 2015 in respect of all taxpayers who were required to E-file their returns of income by August 31, 2015," the Finance Ministry said in a statement.

Earlier, the due-date for filing of the return for Assessment Year 2015-16 was extended till August 31, 2015 in case of those taxpayers who were required to file their tax return by July 31. On August 31, the department had extended the last date for filing I-T returns by residents of Gujarat to September 7 following disruption of normal life due to agitation over reservation to Patel community in the state. The tax department has notified a new set of ITR forms, including a three-page simplified one, for taxpayers to file their returns for assessment year 2015-16.

The taxpayers base in the country is just over 4 crore. From the assessment year 2015-16, any assessee filing ITR 1/2/2A having a refund claim or having total income of more than Rs 5 lakh is required to furnish the return of income electronically.