Good News For Taxpayers Amid COVID Gloom

New Delhi: Amidst the unprecedented surge in COVID-19 cases in the country, the government on Saturday extended various compliance dates for taxpayers.

As per a release by the Union Finance Ministry, the deadlines were extended following several requests from taxpayers, tax consultants and other stakeholders from across the country.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has provided the following relaxations:

1-The deadline for appeals to the Commissioner (Appeals) under Chapter XX of the Act was April 1, 2021. However, now they may be filed within the time provided under that Section or by May 31, 2021, whichever is later.

2-The last date of filing objections to Dispute Resolution Panel (DRP) was April 1, 2021. They may now be filed within the time provided under the relevant section or by May 31, 2021, whichever is later.

3-The deadline for filing of income tax return in response to the notice under Section 148 was April 1, 2021 or thereafter. It may now be filed within the time allowed under that notice or by May 31, 2021, whichever is later.

4-Filing of belated return under sub-section (4) and revised return under sub-section (5) of Section 139 of the Act, for Assessment Year 2020-21, which was required to be filed on or before March 31, 2021, may be filed on or before May 31, 2021.

5-Payment of tax deducted under Section 194-IA, Section 194-IB and Section 194M of the Act, and filing of challan-cum-statement for such tax deducted, which are required to be paid and furnished by April 30, 2021 may now be paid and furnished on or before May 31, 2021;

6-Statement in Form No. 61, containing particulars of declarations received in Form No.60, which was due to be furnished on or before April 30, 2021, may now be furnished on or before May 31, 2021.