Koshi Tax Bar Urges Finance Ministry, CBDT to Extend Tax Audit and Audit-Related ITR Filing Deadlines:

The Taxation Bar Association, Koshi Division, Saharsa, has requested the Finance Ministry, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and Income Tax Department to extend the deadlines for filing tax audit reports and audit-related income tax returns for Assessment Year 2026-27.

In a representation dated September 20, the association requested that the tax audit deadline be extended from September 30, 2026, to October 31, 2026, while the deadline for filing the audit ITR be extended from October 31, 2026, to November 30, 2026.

The association said it appreciates the government and the CBDT for changing the non-audit ITR filing schedule this year. It noted that the deadlines for ITR-1 and ITR-2 were extended to July 31, while ITR-3 and ITR-4 were given a deadline of August 31. According to the association, the revised schedule made the filing season more manageable for tax professionals and taxpayers.

However, the association said that tax audit work is considerably more complicated than ordinary ITR filing. It involves detailed examination of books of accounts, financial statements, tax deductions, reconciliations, disclosures, AIS/TIS, TDS, GST information and other records.

The association pointed out that tax professionals currently have only one month between the tax audit deadline and the audit ITR deadline. It argued that at least two months are needed to complete tax audits properly and maintain the required quality and accuracy.

It further said that providing insufficient time could increase the chances of errors and future disputes, while also creating additional costs and pressure for both taxpayers and the government.

The Taxation Bar Association has therefore urged the authorities to extend the tax audit deadline to October 31 and the audit ITR filing deadline to November 30, saying that the move would give tax professionals adequate time to complete the work carefully and ensure proper compliance.