Aug. 2 – India’s Central Board of Direct Taxes announced it would extend income tax return filing from July 31 to August 4.

All returns, whether done electronically or not, as long as it is given on or before August 4 will be considered on time. The extension was announced after reports that the e-filing computer system encountered technical difficulties and stormy weather prevented some taxpayers from filing their returns.

Companies submitting their tax returns electronically must include a valid digital signature. Corporate income tax returns can be verified by the following:

• Resident: Managing director or, where there is no managing director or he is not able to sign and verify the return due to any unavoidable reason, by any director thereof.
• Non-Resident: The return may be signed and verified by a person holding a valid power of attorney attached with the return
• If  taken over by the government: The return should be signed and verified by the liquidator or the principal officer
• Firm: Managing partner, or where there is no managing partner or due to some unavoidable reasons, he is not able to sign and verify the return, by any partner thereof not being a minor
• Local authority: By the Principal Officer.
• Association of persons: By any member of the Association or the Principal Officer thereof

For more advice in filing income tax returns in India e-mail Dezan Shira & Associates at india@dezshira.com.