Khushi
The Association of Industries and Institutions, an apex body of small and medium companies, filed a Writ Petition in the Gujarat High Court for postponing various compliance deadlines during the chaos caused by the severe second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The association approached the Court and dragged the Union government, direct tax department, indirect tax department, Employees’ State Insurance Corporation and Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation over the extension of due dates.
The main demand of the association from the government is to extend due dates for filing various tax and other filings by about three months or at least waive the penalties.
Last year, the government extended the deadlines for filing tax returns by three months over the eruption of pandemic.
It was argued that the second wave of COVID-19 infection badly hit small and medium enterprises causing disruptions and acute cash flow issues.
“Most companies are struggling with the second wave of Covid pandemic and so are their CA firms, advocates and consultants, so abiding by the timelines whether for direct taxes, indirect taxes or other compliances of PF and labour laws would be next to impossible,” said Senior Advocate Avinash Poddar, representing the petitioners.
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