The Income Tax Department’s decision to extend two key tax compliance deadlines gives taxpayers and professionals handling audited accounts an additional 21 days to complete the process, amid concerns over the compressed compliance window and extensive reconciliations required before filing.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has extended the deadline for furnishing the tax audit report from September 30 to October 21.

The deadline for filing the corresponding income tax return has also been pushed back by 21 days, from October 31 to November 21.