The website of the income tax (I-T) department is running slow since Monday. It has slowed down at a time when taxpayers are in a rush to meet the July 31 deadline for filing returns for the assessment year 2013-14. 

Besides, the central board of direct taxes ( CBDT) recently made e-filing of income tax returns compulsory for even those having an annual income of up to Rs 5 lakh. Assessees have now demanded an extension of deadline for filing the returns. CA.Vivek Khurana, Founder Member of casansaar.com, said, "The department must extend the deadline by at least 15 days to allow assessees to file their returns." 

Small traders, whose accounts are unaudited, are also a worried lot as they are unable to file their returns and check deductions under section 26 AS of the I-T Act. In case assessees miss the bus, they will be liable to pay interest at the rate of 1.5% per month on their taxable amount under section 234 A of the I-T Act.