Extend ITR Deadline to August 31: Why This Year Needs Extra Time
Every year taxpayers rush to file Income Tax Returns (ITR) by the deadline of July 31. This year presents unique challenges resulting in a case for extending the deadline to August 31. Extending the deadline would provide much-needed relief to taxpayers and also provide a smoother and more accurate filing process.
Issue of Technical Glitches on the Portal
One of the main reasons for the extension is the recurring technical issues with the income tax e-filing portal. Many users have reported problems like slow loading times, difficulty logging in and errors when submitting their returns. These technical glitches have caused significant delays.
Slow Loading Times: Many taxpayers have experienced extremely slow response times when trying to access the e-filing portal. This can be particularly frustrating when you may have all the documents ready but cannot proceed due to the portal’s inefficiency.
Login Issues: Some users have faced difficulties logging into their accounts due to frequent crashes. Error messages have forced many to attempt filing multiple times without success.
Submission Errors: Even after completing the return, some taxpayers have encountered errors during the final submission process. These errors often require users to re-enter information or start over. It consumes valuable time and effort.
Extending the Deadline is Useless Without a Functional Portal
Simply extending the deadline without addressing these technical issues would not solve the problem. The primary purpose of the extension is to give taxpayers more time to file their returns accurately. However, if the portal continues to malfunction, an extension alone will not be effective.
Portal Maintenance: It is crucial that the Income Tax Department must conduct thorough maintenance and fix the issues on the e-filing portal. Regular updates and quick resolutions to technical problems will ensure that taxpayers can file returns smoothly.
User Support: Enhanced support for users facing technical difficulties is necessary. A dedicated helpline or live chat option could help taxpayers resolve issues more efficiently and reduce the backlog of pending returns.
Extending the ITR deadline to August 31 is necessary this year due to a combination of technical glitches on the e-filing portal and other challenges faced by taxpayers. However for this extension to be effective, it is essential that the Income Tax Department addresses ongoing technical issues promptly. By doing so, they will ensure that taxpayers can file their returns accurately and on time without unnecessary stress or delays.
