HC asks CBDT to consider CA body’s representation

The Karnataka High Court on Monday directed the Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to consider by September 29 a representation by Karnataka Chartered Accountants’ Association (KCCA) for extending the deadline to file income tax returns for certain categories of tax payers, such as companies, firms, and individuals engaged in proprietary business/ profession.

A Division Bench comprising acting Chief Justice Subhro Kamal Mukherjee and Justice B.V. Nagarathna passed the order while disposing of a PIL petition filed by the Association seeking a direction to the CBDT to extend the deadline till October 31, 2015.

The last date for filing I-T returns for these categories of tax payers is September 30. The Association is seeking extension of at least 15 days citing a delay by the CBDT in notifying the new I-T return forms and its refusal to consider its representation for extending the last date.

However, Additional Solicitor General of India (Karnataka High Court) Prabhuling K. Navadgi, representing the CBDT, contended that delay in notifying the form is not a factor that would impact filing returns as the new form contained only additional column related to assets held outside India. (The Hindu)