Jammu and Kashmir govt shifts tax filing cut-off to Aug 31

Srinagar, Jul 29: In a move that could spell relief for the trade and business community hit hard by the ongoing unrest in the Valley, the Jammu and Kashmir government has approved extension of the deadline of filing of tax returns to August 31, from the existing July 31.

"The initiative has been taken in view of the persistent demand of the business community as they are finding it difficult to do so due to breakdown of Internet services," Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu said.

He said Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti is keen that the relief in terms of extension of the tax-filing window must be provided to the trade and business community.

An official spokesperson of the Finance Department said the necessary government order has been issued to this effect and is available on its website.

Kashmir has been on the boil since July 8 following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, along with two of his associates, during an encounter in Anantnag district, paralysing normal life.

The protests that followed claimed as many as 47 lives and left several thousands injured, which prompted authorities to snap mobile and Internet services across Kashmir as part of its efforts to restore peace in the region.

While mobile service has been partially restored, the Internet services, barring BSNL's broadband, continues to remain suspended.

PTI