Bihar govt extends return filing deadline by two months

Patna, Oct 16 (UNI) The Bihar government today extended the deadline for filing the return by two months as a major relief to the traders of the districts affected by floods.

Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, also holding the Finance portfolio, said here today the businessmen of the five flood-affected districts, had been allowed to file their return and commercial taxes by December 15.

Mr Modi added that the traders of Madhepura, Supaul, Araria, Saharsa and Purnia would enjoy the privilege.

''The traders, on giving application, were being allowed to avail some exemptions in case of natural calamities. But this time, the government has taken the decision for the traders living in the five flood-hit districts of North Bihar, in general,'' he added.

''The routine life and day-to-day activities were shattered in the flood-ravaged districts. Keeping in mind the constraints of the traders, the decision has been taken to extend the return filing deadline by two months,'' he informed.

Meanwhile, Mr Modi announced to slash commercial taxes on 'Makhana', the prominent agricultural yield of North Bihar especially in Mithilanchal region.

He said the decision to slash the taxes on Makhana had been taken with a sole motive to promote its business.

According to Mr Modi, the government was also planning to provide insurance facility up to Rs two lakh to the traders, who filed their return and paid taxes regularly.

The online return filing facility would be available at divisional level by the next financial year, he informed.

''The state could be developed with an overall progress in Business and Industry. Realising this fact, the government should soon amend the existing laws, so that the traders would not have to face hurdles of annual renewal of their registration,'' the Deputy Chief Minister said.

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