New Delhi, May 21 (KNN) The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has extended the last date to file income tax returns (ITR) for the financial year (FY) 2020-21 or assessment year (AY) 2021-22, by two months to September 30, 2021.

According to a circular by the CBDT, the decision was taken in view of the COVID second wave cases, which has seen India record more daily cases and related deaths anywhere in the world since the beginning of the pandemic.

“The Central Board of Direct Taxes, in exercise of its power under section 119 of the Income-Tax Act, 1961 (herein referred to as the “Act”) provides relaxation in respect of the following compliances,” the circular dated May 20th said.

“The due date of furnishing of return of income for the assessment year 2021-22, which is 31st July 2021 under sub-section (1) of section 139 of the Act, is extended to 30th September 2021,” the CBDT circular read.

Apart from ITR deadline extension, the CBDT also announced the extension of 13 deadlines on Thursday which includes: The Statement of Financial Transactions (SFT), The Statement of Reportable Account, The Statement of Deduction of Tax, The Certificate of Tax Deducted at Source in Form No 16, The TDS/TCS Book Adjustment Statement in Form No 24Gfor the month of May 2021 etc.