CLAIM
A post is being widely circulated on social media pertaining to the purported extension of the due date for filing of Income Tax Returns (ITR), creating confusion among the taxpayers.
“It has been reported that some of the taxpayers are facing difficulties in filing their income- tax returns due to various reasons, including extension of due date for issue of Form 16 for the Assessment-Year 2019-20,” the post says, claiming the extension of the due date for filing returns from 31 August 2019 to 30 September 2019.
An archived version of the post can be seen here.
WHAT IS THE TRUTH?
The ‘order’ about an extension of the ITR filing due date is a fake one. Income tax returns must be filed by the existing deadline of 31 August 2019.
WHAT WE FOUND
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on Friday, 30 August, issued a clarification that no order has been issued regarding an extension of filing of IT returns.
“It is categorically stated that the said order is not genuine. Taxpayers are advised to file Returns within extended due dt of 31.08.2019,” the clarification read.
The CBDT had last month extended the due date for filing ITR against income earned in financial year 2018-19 (assessment year 2019-20) from 31 July to 31 August.
The ITR for 2019-20 can still be filed till 31 March 2019, but only after paying a penalty.
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