In a relief to business entities and tax professionals, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) extended the due date for submitting income tax audit reports for FY 2024-25. Earlier, the due date was September 30, 2025, which has been shifted to October 31, 2025, with respect to assessees who are covered under clause (a) of Explanation 2 to sub-section (1) of section 139 of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
As per the earlier scheme, taxpayers who had to undergo a tax audit—such as under Section 44AB—were required to file their audit reports in forms such as 3CA, 3CB, and 3CD by September 30. By citing the representations made by tax professionals and petitions in courts, the CBDT has now provided a one-month relief.
This inclusion is specific to "assessees referred to in clause (a) of Explanation 2 to sub-section (1) of section 139." In reality, it is a reference to professionals and businesses whose accounts have to be audited within specific turnovers or revenue thresholds.
The CBDT's action appears to have been taken under the pressure of tax practitioners' associations and cases pending in courts, which had argued that rigid timelines were burdensome given bulky reporting needs, evolving disclosure standards, and compliance difficulties. The extension is regarded as administrative flexibility to prevent businesses from near-end anxiety and errors, especially ones with difficulty in completing conscientious audits or smoothing new exposures necessary.
But the extension has been criticised, too. The Gujarat High Court recently asked why the CBDT extended the audit report deadline without giving a corresponding extension of the ITR (Income Tax Return) filing deadline, citing potential statutory inconsistency. As per Explanation (ii) to Section 44AB, the audit "specified date" is to be one month before the return-filing date under Section 139(1). This disparity has become a focal point for legal controversy, with arguments that bringing forward one deadline without the other might not technically accord with the intent of legislation.
The extension would apply to assessees falling under clause (a) of Explanation 2 to sub-section (1) of section 139 of the Income Tax Act, 1961 — essentially those who are required to furnish an audit report under certain conditions of Section 44AB.
Typically, professionals and businesses who have to get their accounts audited are:
If you fall in any such category, this relief provides you with further flexibility.
Though the extension provides relief, it does not mean you can delay indefinitely. Under Section 271B, you can be fined if the audit report is late. The norm is 0.5% of turnover or gross receipts, but not more than ₹1.5 lakh. However, the penalty is at the discretion of the authorities and will be waived if you can provide "reasonable cause" (e.g. natural disaster, serious sickness, technical failure).
Despite the revelation of penalty, the delayed reports can be accepted — so punctual compliance is highly advised.
For taxpayers and chartered accountants, the extra month is a relief period to finalize audit work, resolve differences, and have all disclosures and annexures appropriately accounted for. However, it should be added that
Though this extension is temporary relief, the larger question of aligning audit and return deadlines is still open to judicial review. Taxpayers must actively keep tabs on court orders, CBDT circulars, and finance ministry announcements to remain compliant. In the interim, making the most of the additional time can prevent pitfalls, penalties, and future litigation.Contact My Startup Solution for Expert Tax Auditing & Return Filing. With Error Free Accurate Services.
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