Overview
- The Central Board of Direct Taxes extended the tax audit report due date to November 10 and the ITR due date to December 10 for assessees whose accounts require audit.
- A separate CBDT notification will be issued to give legal effect and provide implementation details for the revised dates.
- The updated schedule preserves a one‑month gap between the audit report deadline and the return filing date, aligning with statutory requirements flagged by courts.
- Punjab & Haryana and Himachal Pradesh High Courts ordered extensions after a Gujarat High Court directive, and an earlier CBDT order on September 25 had moved the audit report date to October 31.
- Penalties under Section 271B for delayed audit reports continue to apply, with potential relief under Section 273B where reasonable cause is established.