Tax Bar Association Jodhpur Seeks Extension in Tax Audit Report Filing Due Date Until October 31:

The Tax Bar Association, Jodhpur, has urged the Union Finance Minister and the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to extend the due date for furnishing Tax Audit Reports (TARs) for Assessment Year 2026-27 from September 30, 2026, to October 31, 2026. The Association has also sought a corresponding extension for audited income tax returns and other related statutory compliances.

The Association stated that the effective time available for completing tax audits has been considerably reduced. The due date for non-audit business and professional income tax returns was August 31, 2026, which kept tax professionals occupied with return filing and related work. As a result, only September remained substantially available for completing a large number of tax audit assignments.

It further pointed out that various income-tax return utilities were released and updated progressively during the compliance period. For instance, the ITR-3 utility was updated as recently as September 1, while ITR-5 was also updated on the same date, and ITR-6 became available only on August 4. According to the Association, such updates require professionals to revisit data and ensure consistency between financial statements, audit reports and income-tax returns.

The Association also highlighted that tax audits involve detailed verification of books, bank accounts, GST records, TDS/TCS data, AIS/TIS, Form 26AS, depreciation, loans, statutory payments, inventory and other disclosures. Obtaining confirmations and explanations from taxpayers, banks, customers, suppliers and other parties can further delay the process.

Another concern raised was the additional workload arising from revised financial-statement requirements for non-corporate entities under the ICAI's Guidance Note, applicable in phases from accounting periods beginning on or after April 1, 2025. Concurrent GST, TDS/TCS, statutory audit, MCA and other compliance requirements have also increased the pressure on tax professionals.

The Association said that extending the deadline would help professionals complete proper verification and reconciliation before certifying audit reports. It also sought an extension of the due date for Forms 10B and 10BB to October 31, 2026, along with suitable alignment of consequential audited income tax returns and other connected compliances.

The Tax Bar Association has requested the authorities to issue the necessary notification, circular or order at the earliest, stating that the extension would facilitate accurate and properly verified compliance without prejudicing the interests of the Revenue.