Coronavirus Pandemic: Income Tax Department May Extend 31st March Deadline Due To The Virus

The Income Tax (I-T) Department is “Proactively pursuing” the government extension of the statutory deadline to complete the important tax-related work dues of 31^st March owing to the novel Coronavirus outbreak, said an all-India body of Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer today.

It has urged all the officials of the I-T departments to Work From Home (WFH) following the guidelines “Social Distancing” issued by the government.

The association of the IRS officers said, “Field officials have raised legitimate concerns about going to the office. The I-T Department is proactively pursuing an extension of statutory limitation/time barring dates with the government.

Adding, “Till then, DoR (department of revenue under Union finance ministry) instructions based on DoPT’s 22/03 order allows us to do whatever work possible from home, even if ITBA tasks cannot be carried out,”.

In the recent notification issued to various ministries and departments, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) said that the junior ranking officials of the Central Government should rationalize manpower and allow then to WFH or in shifts in certain cases, where required.

The association has said that the local situations should be vital in determining how and whether the tax offices will run, even if they are not shut, officially.

Also Read: Coronavirus Lockdown: Centre Directs Strict Enforcement By State Governments Also Asks To Penalise Violators

In a statement, the association said, “Feasibility of commuting of officers/staff, prohibitory orders under section 144, border restrictions between states in areas like NCR, the ability of drivers to come for duty, etc. So, while we wait for orders, let us not panic. Let us take the necessary precautions and ensure minimum travel and maintain social distancing,”.

The association added, “We must follow Hon’ble PM’s advice and maintain utmost vigil,”.

The association says that the officers need to remain vigilant as the chances of conquering over the Coronavirus pandemic lie on it. “So work from home as much as you can. Stay safe. Keep others safe and let us overcome this challenge together,”.

Another body of the I-T gazetted officers made a similar demand to the CBDT (Central Board of Direct Taxes) and the Government asking them to extend the mandatory deadline of 31^st March to finish their assessment cases.

The Mumbai region of the department has also asked the CBDT, which frames the policies for the department, to give an extension on the deadline for the “Vivad se Vishwas Scheme” and proceedings to be finalized by March-end under the anti-black money law.