Govt extends deadline to file I-T returns

The government extended the last date for filing income tax on Wednesday. The new deadline to file income tax return is August 5.

The government cited an "unprecedented surge" in number of e-filings of I-T returns as the reason to extend the last date. The Finance Ministry said in a statement the move came to make it convenient for taxpayers to file their returns.

"There has been an overwhelming response for e-filing from every corner of the country. More than 82 lakh returns have been e-filed till 29th July, 2013 which is more than 40% of the returns e-filed during the same period last year." said CDBT in a statement. 

On 30th July, 2013, 6.23 lakh returns were e-filed till 6:00 PM. Record peak of more than 85,000 returns per hour has been achieved.

Due to overwhelming response, some taxpayers have reported problems in accessing e-filing portal which is primarily due to network constrains of the local internet service providers. The e-filing portal has been running without any interruptions and is being continuously monitored by a dedicated team of income tax officials in Bangalore. The situation will again be reviewed by the CBDT tomorrow morning.