Punjab & Haryana HC Directs CBDT to Respond on Income Tax Audit Due Date Extension

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Income Tax Department Counsel to seek instructions from the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) regarding the extension of the income tax audit due date for the financial year 2024-25. The petition, filed by Ashwini Kumar, highlighted the challenges faced by tax professionals and businesses due to overlapping compliance requirements and technical issues on the e-filing portal. The court has given the department a four-day timeline to obtain CBDT's stance, failing which it will pass appropriate orders. This development underscores the ongoing concerns within the auditing community about the feasibility of meeting the current deadline amidst existing challenges.