Extension with Arrogance: CBDT’s Gift Wrapped in Insult
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has once again played its favorite game – “Extend the date, deny the problem.”
On 25th September 2025, the Board extended the due date for filing Tax Audit Reports (TARs) from 30th September to 31st October 2025.
A sigh of relief? Perhaps.
But respect for taxpayers? Absolutely not.
An Extension That Feels Like Charity
The language of the press release makes it clear – the extension is not a recognition of genuine difficulties. It is a reluctant charity, granted only because:
• Tax professionals shouted.
• Courts intervened.
CBDT’s tone? “We didn’t want to, but fine, le lo. And by the way, our system is flawless, you are the problem.”
This is not relief; this is ridicule.
The Denial Parade
The most insulting part is the claim that the income-tax portal is working smoothly without glitches.
Really? The same portal where professionals spent nights struggling to upload TARs? The same system acknowledged by High Courts as problematic?
Yet CBDT insists – everything is fine.
This is like a doctor telling a patient: “You are bleeding, but according to my records, you are perfectly healthy.”
Taxpayers as the Villains
By brushing aside complaints, CBDT has indirectly painted taxpayers and professionals as inefficient and irresponsible.
The message is loud and clear:
• “Portal sahi hai, aap galat ho.”
• “Extension humare udarta ka prasad hai, tumhari haq ki baat nahi.”
When governance starts mocking citizens instead of supporting them, democracy suffers.
The Larger Damage
This is no small matter. The arrogance of bureaucracy is now hurting the image of the government itself.
The country was looking forward to GST 2.0 and celebrating the ₹12 lakh annual saving impact.
But CBDT’s stubborn denial of glitches and its dismissive approach has overshadowed reforms with a stamp of bad governance.
The Prime Minister’s Office cannot stay silent. Intervention is not just desirable, it is essential.
Why the Writs Must Go On
The writ petitions filed in various High Courts must continue.
Not because the date was not extended – but because the truth was insulted.
If courts have acknowledged glitches, how can CBDT deny them?
If lakhs of taxpayers struggled, how can bureaucracy mock them?
This fight is no longer about compliance deadlines. It is about dignity and accountability.
And the ITR?
Let’s not forget the twist:
• Audit date is extended to 31st October 2025.
• ITR due date still stands at 31st October 2025.
So taxpayers have one extra month for TARs but still the same date for ITRs. In effect, a race shifted forward, but the finish line not moved.
Conclusion: Extension Without Respect
CBDT may think it has solved the problem by giving more time. But in reality, it has created a deeper wound by insulting taxpayers.
An extension without respect is worse than no extension at all.
Until bureaucracy learns that governance is about empathy, not ego, taxpayers will keep feeling like second-class citizens of a portal-first regime.
