ICAI Submits Representation to Finance Ministry About Tax Audit Report Due Date, Other Income-Tax Related Concerns

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has sent a formal representation to the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), raising concerns about mismatches in deadlines for income-tax return filing and audit compliance for Assessment Year 2025-26. While the CBDT has extended the due date for taxpayers not subject to audit from 31 July to 15 September 2025, no parallel relief has been provided for taxpayers whose accounts must be audited, though their returns are due by 31 October. The “specified date” for submitting audit reports under section 44AB remains 30 September, compressing the window between these dates. ICAI further notes delays in issuance of ITR forms and utilities: whereas in previous year ITR 1-6 were notified by January and audit forms by April, this year some forms were only released between May and August, and audit utilities only from mid-July. The representation also raises issues relating to renewal of registration for charitable trusts under sections 12AB, 10(23C), and 80G: ICAI suggests conditions are met, validity should be auto-renewed to avoid undue compliance burden. Overall, ICAI urges parity and more realistic timelines to reduce taxpayer hardship.