📰 GCCI Urges Extension of ITR Filing Deadline Due to Portal Delays
Income Tax News | May 2025
The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has urged Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to extend the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs). The request comes after delays in the release of ITR forms and supporting utilities by the Income Tax Department.
⏱️ Delay in Tools Hindering Taxpayers
GCCI highlighted that the ITR forms for Assessment Year 2025–26 were notified only recently, and the corresponding utilities are still not functional. This delay is preventing taxpayers—especially salaried and non-audit assessees—from preparing and submitting their returns on time.
“Tax utilities should ideally be released at the beginning of the financial year. Without them, taxpayers are left waiting and uncertain,” said the GCCI Director General.
📅 Current Deadline Unchanged: July 31
As of now, the deadline to file tax returns remains July 31, with no official extension announced. GCCI expressed concern that without timely release of the filing tools, taxpayers will face pressure to file hastily, increasing the risk of errors and penalties.
⚠️ Risk of Rushed and Inaccurate Filings
The industry body emphasized that late-release utilities often result in technical glitches, higher portal traffic, and reduced accuracy in return filing.
“Rushed submissions can lead to mistakes, especially when capital gains and other disclosures require detailed calculations,” the chamber noted.
🧾 Increased Compliance Burden in 2025
This year’s ITR forms reportedly require more complex disclosures, particularly in the area of capital gains. GCCI stated that these changes necessitate additional time and clarity for taxpayers to comply accurately.
📣 Appeal for Advance Notice and Transparency
The chamber recommended that if an extension becomes necessary, it should be announced well in advance. This will allow individual taxpayers and professionals to plan their compliance process more effectively, avoiding last-minute chaos.
📬 Industry Body Escalates Issue to CBDT
GCCI has also communicated its concerns to Ravi Agrawal, Chairperson of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). The chamber hopes for a swift resolution and a stable, fully operational tax filing system.
🔍 Key Takeaways
- ITR forms for AY 2025–26 were delayed; utilities are not yet live.
- Deadline of July 31 still stands for salaried and non-audit taxpayers.
- GCCI seeks immediate release of tax tools and potential deadline extension.
- Increased disclosures in ITR forms make timely filing difficult without utilities.
- Late releases risk errors, technical issues, and rushed compliance.
