Indian tax associations seek extension for income tax audit deadlines

Multiple tax professional associations in India are requesting the Ministry of Finance to extend the due dates for furnishing tax audit reports and filing income-tax returns.

The Andhra Pradesh Tax Practitioners and Consultants Association (APTPCA) has submitted a representation seeking a permanent extension of the tax audit due date to 31 October. The association cited practical difficulties for small accountants and auditors, noting that the compressed compliance schedule causes physical exhaustion and mental stress. They have specifically requested immediate relief for Assessment Year 2026-27 by extending the deadline to 31 October 2026.

Similarly, the Haryana State Tax Bar Association has requested at least a 30-day extension due to workload pressures and the complexities of transitioning to new statutory frameworks. Professionals noted that tasks such as reconciling bank statements, GST records, and AIS/TIS data are becoming more time-consuming. Additionally, the All India MSME Tax Professionals Association has requested the tax audit report deadline be moved to 31 October 2026, with the corresponding income-tax return deadline extended to 30 November 2026.