In a major relief to those who could not file their income tax returns today, the Income Tax Department has extended the deadline for filing returns till August 5. The previous deadline was scheduled to expired today.

The department had earlier extended the date for filing returns for Uttarakhand till October 2013, in view of the floods that had affected the state.

“As a measure of taxpayers’ convenience, it has been decided to extend the due date of filing of returns from July 31, 2013 to August 5, 2013,” the Finance Ministry said.

As per the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), there has been an unprecedented surge in number of returns being e-filed.

This year till July 30, about 92 lakh returns have been electronically filed, which is 46.8 per cent higher than the returns e-filed during the corresponding period last fiscal. 

Taxpayers having an annual income of over Rs. 5 lakh will be required to file their returns in electronic form.

The government had last year introduced the system of e-filing of Income tax returns for assessees with annual income of Rs.10 lakh and above. (NDTV)

Notification is attached. Click on the Attachment.