Due to frequent non functioning of IT portal and plight of taxpayers and professionals, it is requested to extend the ITR filing due date.

Dated 31st day of July,2024.

Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman

Union Finance Minister

Ministry of Finance

North Block, New Delhi

India -110001

Subject: Request for Extension of Due Date for Filing of Income Tax Returns and Other Filings under the Income Tax Act.

Respected Madam,

I hope this letter finds you in the best of health and spirits. I am writing to you on behalf of numerous taxpayers, professionals, and stakeholders who are currently facing significant challenges in meeting the due dates for filing Income Tax returns and other statutory filings under the Income Tax Act.

As you are aware, the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal has been experiencing technical issues over the past few weeks. These issues have severely hampered the ability of taxpayers to complete and submit their returns on time. Despite the best efforts of the technical team, the portal’s functionality remains inconsistent, leading to considerable frustration and delays for users.

Given these extraordinary circumstances, I humbly request you to consider the following:

  1. Extension of Due Date for Filing Income Tax Returns: A reasonable extension of the deadline for filing Income Tax returns for all categories of taxpayers will provide much-needed relief and ensure compliance without undue stress.
  2. Extension of due dates for Other Statutory Filings: Similar extensions should be granted for other statutory filings under the Income Tax Act, such as tax audits and other related submissions.
  3. Waiver of Late Fees and Penalties: Considering the challenges faced, it would be equitable to waive any late fees and penalties associated with delayed filings during this period.
  4. Continuous Monitoring and Support: Ensure that the technical issues with the IT portal are resolved promptly and provide continuous support to taxpayers and professionals through helplines and assistance centers.

We believe that your kind intervention in this matter will not only alleviate the immediate concerns of taxpayers but also reinforce their trust in the administration. Extending the deadlines and providing necessary relief measures will demonstrate the government’s empathy and responsiveness to the plight of its citizens during these challenging times.

We are confident that under your esteemed leadership, the Ministry of Finance will take the necessary steps to address this urgent issue. We look forward to a positive response at the earliest.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Yours sincerely,

for All Odisha Tax Advocates Association

(BIBEKANANDA MOHANTI)

PRESIDENT