Vikas Kumar Ojha, News Life Desk, Patna , Katihar, Bihar — The community of Chartered Accountants (CAs) in Katihar has come forward with a strong appeal for an extension of the current tax audit deadline. A delegation of local CAs submitted a memorandum to the Income Tax Officer, Mr. Abhishek Anuj, requesting that the due date for tax audits be extended. Copies of this memorandum have also been forwarded to the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and the Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Patna.
The delegation consisted of several prominent professionals from Katihar, including CA Mitesh Dalmia, CA Amit Kumar, CA Abhishek Kedia, and Suraj Choudhary, along with other respected members of the profession. Together, they emphasized that the current deadline is impractical and needs to be revised in view of the persistent technical challenges and systemic delays.
Difficulties Highlighted
The CAs pointed out that the income tax portal has been riddled with repeated glitches this year. Frequent downtime, delayed availability of key forms, and constant updates have slowed down the pace of compliance. As a result, both professionals and taxpayers are struggling to keep up with the timeline.
The memorandum underlined that tax audit is a highly detailed and technical process. Given the current situation, it is not feasible to complete the audits for such a large number of taxpayers on time. Unless the portal stabilizes and all necessary forms are made fully available, extending the deadline remains the only practical solution.
Nationwide Demand
The demand for an extension is not limited to Katihar; it has resonated across the entire country. Professional bodies and associations of Chartered Accountants in different states have also raised similar concerns. The memorandum noted that Public Interest Litigations (PILs) have been filed in several High Courts seeking judicial intervention on the matter.
These petitions argue that the compressed deadline, combined with technical hurdles, is placing enormous pressure on both taxpayers and professionals. The courts have been urged to instruct the government to consider a fair extension.
Concern for Taxpayers
The CAs also stressed that the situation is directly affecting taxpayers. Many businesses and organizations required to file audit reports are frustrated by the portal’s inefficiencies and the repeated changes in procedures. If the deadline is not extended, a large number of taxpayers could face penalties and other legal complications.
Speaking on the matter, CA Mitesh Dalmia stated that the tax audit report is not a mere formality, but a crucial document that reflects the complete financial health of an enterprise. Rushing through the process due to tight deadlines could compromise the quality and accuracy of these reports. He urged the authorities to adopt a pragmatic approach.
Precedents Cited
The memorandum also recalled that in previous years, whenever such difficulties arose, the government had extended the deadlines to provide relief to both taxpayers and professionals. Similar action this year would not only continue that precedent but also uphold the government’s stated commitment to ease of doing business.
CA Amit Kumar emphasized that the government’s “Ease of Doing Business” initiative can only be meaningful if processes such as tax audits and return filing are made smoother and more practical. Extending the timeline would ease the burden on professionals and directly benefit millions of taxpayers.
Local Initiative with National Echo
This effort from Katihar reflects how even professionals in smaller districts are becoming more vocal and organized about their issues. Suraj Choudhary said that while this initiative began at the local level, it is part of the broader national movement to safeguard taxpayers’ interests.
Conclusion
The Katihar initiative is now part of a larger national debate. Both CAs and taxpayers are anxiously awaiting the CBDT’s decision. If the deadline is not extended, it will add pressure on professionals and expose taxpayers to unnecessary penalties and legal risks.
It is evident that the demand to extend the tax audit deadline is not just an administrative request but a matter that directly affects transparency, compliance, and taxpayer convenience. All eyes are now on the government to see whether it responds to this collective appeal with the urgency and fairness it demands.
