In a major relief to the taxpayers, the government has extended the deadline for filing income tax return (ITR) for the financial year 2018-19 by a month to August 31, 2019.

“In this regard, the Central Board of Direct Taxes, in exercise of its powers conferred under Section 119 of the Income Tax Act, 1961, hereby extends the due date as prescribed under Section 139 (1) of the Act for filing of income tax returns from 31st July, 2019, to 31st August, 2019, in case of all taxpayers who are liable to file their income tax returns by the said due date,” a Finance Ministry order said.

“The categories of taxpayers includes all taxpayers who were liable to file their Income Tax Returns by 31st of July, 2019 & can now file their Income Tax Returns by 31st of August, 2019,” the Income Tax department said in tweet.

Many chartered accountants and tax professionals had also appealed to the government to extend the return filing deadline.

A late fee of Rs 5000 is usually levied on individuals if ITR is not filed before the due date and is filed before December 31. Those who file their taxes the next year (Between January 1 and March 31) will have to pay a late filing fee of Rs 10,000.