I-T offices to remain open from Mar 29-31 for filing returns

Income tax offices across the country will remain open from March 29 to Mach 31 to facilitate the filing of returns by last-minute filers.

The last date for filing belated returns for assessment years 2016-17 and 2017-18 and revised returns for the assessment year 2016-17 is March 31, the I-T department said in a statement.

According to the new rule, the deadline for filing of belated return has been revised from two years to one financial year.

Returns filed after March 31 will be considered as time-barred and taxpayers will have to consult tax commissioners for any refund after that giving him reasons for delaying the returns.

All Ayakar Seva Kendras (ASK Centres) will also remain open despite all three days (March 29-March 31) being holidays.

"All efforts will be made to provide assistance to taxpayers and to facilitate the filing of returns by them," the department said.

The I-T department has sent numerous text messages to individual taxpayers asking them to adhere to the changed tax filing rules and the last date.