The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has extended the deadline for filing tax audit reports for the financial year 2024-25 (Assessment Year 2025-26). The new due date is now October 31, 2025, instead of the earlier September 30, 2025. This extension is a big relief for taxpayers and professionals who faced challenges in meeting the original deadline.
Why Was the Deadline Extended?
The CBDT took this decision after receiving requests from various professional bodies, including Chartered Accountants. They highlighted the difficulties faced in completing tax audits on time due to floods and natural disasters in parts of India. Such disruptions affected normal business and professional activities, causing delays.
CBDT Stresses E-Filing Portal is Functional
Despite these challenges, the Income-tax e-filing portal has been working smoothly without technical problems. As of September 24, over 4.02 lakh tax audit reports were successfully uploaded. The portal also saw more than 60,000 submissions on that day alone. Additionally, over 7.57 crore income tax returns were filed by September 23, 2025.
What Taxpayers Should Know
- The extension applies specifically to assessees covered under clause (a) of Explanation 2 to sub-section (1) of section 139 of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
- The new deadline to file audit reports is October 31, 2025.
- The deadline to file income tax returns for taxpayers requiring audit may also see extension, but a separate notification is expected for this.
Impact on Taxpayers and Professionals
This extension gives professionals more time to complete audit reports accurately without rushing. It also provides taxpayers extra days to ensure their filings are compliant with rules, reducing the risk of penalties. The CBDT’s decision balances the need for timely tax compliance with practical difficulties faced by many due to recent climate-related disruptions.
