GCCI Seeks Tax Filing Deadline Extension Amid Portal Issues
The Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has written to the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) requesting an extension of tax filing deadline for AY 2024–25. The request follows continued glitches and slow response times on the Income Tax e-filing portal, especially as compliance deadlines approach.
The move is backed by concerns from small businesses, consultants, and tax professionals who are facing challenges uploading returns and verifying data due to persistent technical delays.
Why GCCI Requested Deadline Extension
GCCI, in its formal representation to the CBDT, cited the following key reasons:
- Frequent downtime and error messages on the Income Tax portal
- Slow validation of JSON files and delayed Aadhaar OTP deliveries
- Difficulty in verifying and submitting ITR forms near peak hours
- Risk of penalties despite taxpayer intent to comply on time
The chamber emphasized that timely return filing is only possible if the portal infrastructure supports the expected load.
CBDT’s Past Response in Similar Cases
In earlier years, the CBDT has extended tax return filing deadlines when faced with:
- Natural calamities
- Portal transition issues (notably in 2021)
- Genuine hardship and last-minute technical glitches
The CBDT had previously acknowledged such situations and, under powers vested via Section 119 of the Income Tax Act, 1961, issued relaxation orders for affected taxpayers.
👉 Example: F. No. 225/49/2021/ITA-II dated 29.07.2021 – where return and audit deadlines were extended.
Who Will Benefit If Deadline Is Extended?
An extension could help:
- Small businesses still reconciling books for FY 2023–24
- Tax consultants managing bulk filings for clients
- Salaried individuals facing Aadhaar-PAN linking delays
Expert View: Allow At Least 15-Day Buffer
According to leading tax practitioners, a minimum 15-day grace period post full portal stabilization is ideal to ensure voluntary compliance:
“Most taxpayers want to file on time. The delay isn’t willful but due to tech failure. Penalizing such cases is unfair,” says a CA firm based in Ahmedabad.
What Taxpayers Should Do Now
Until any official extension is notified, follow these steps:
- Complete return data preparation offline via utility tools
- Attempt filing during off-peak hours (early morning or late night)
- Keep records of failed attempts (screenshots, error logs)
- Avoid last-minute submissions to reduce pressure
- Stay updated via CBDT circulars on incometax.gov.in
Summary for Google Snippet (40–50 words)
GCCI has urged CBDT to extend the tax filing deadline for AY 2024–25 citing ongoing Income Tax portal issues. With frequent login errors and OTP delays, taxpayers face genuine hardship. An official extension could help small businesses and professionals avoid penalties for late filings.
FAQ – Tax Filing Deadline Issues
Q1. Will CBDT extend the ITR deadline this year?
A: No official notification yet, but CBDT may consider it if portal issues persist.
Q2. What section allows CBDT to extend deadlines?
A: Section 119 of the Income Tax Act, 1961 empowers CBDT to grant such relief.
Q3. Where to check official updates?
A: Visit https://incometax.gov.in for the latest circulars and press releases.
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