Rinav Ashok Khakhar
As professionals, we all understand that compliance deadlines are the backbone of our tax system. They ensure uniformity, discipline, and timely revenue flow. However, there are moments when circumstances far beyond human control make compliance practically impossible. Maharashtra is currently facing one such situation.
Over the past several days, incessant rains and severe flooding have hit multiple districts including Mumbai, Thane, Bhiwandi, Palghar, and Raigad. Roads are submerged, transport is disrupted, schools and government offices have been shut down on local authority orders, and the weather bureau has issued continuous Red and Yellow alerts for the region up to 23rd August 2025.
Against this backdrop, the due date for filing GSTR-3B for July 2025 falls on 20th August 2025. Thousands of taxpayers and professionals are facing real and genuine difficulty in meeting this compliance within the stipulated time. Internet outages, closure of offices, staff unable to travel, and lack of accessibility to records are creating hurdles that no amount of professional discipline can overcome.
At MCTC - a 47-year-old professional body with more than 1,350 members comprising CAs, Advocates, CS, CMA, and tax practitioners - our primary duty is not only to spread knowledge but also to stand up for taxpayers during times of hardship. With this responsibility, we have made a formal representation to the Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister (Finance), Shri Ajit Pawar, requesting a brief extension of the due date for filing GSTR-3B from 20th August 2025 to 23rd August 2025 for the State of Maharashtra.
This is not a demand for relaxation, but a humble request for fairness. Taxpayers should not be penalised with interest and late fees for circumstances completely outside their control. An extension of just three days would provide immense relief to businesses and professionals already struggling due to natural adversity.
We strongly believe that the government has always been supportive of taxpayers during extraordinary situations. Granting this extension will once again demonstrate a responsive and empathetic approach in governance.
As President of MCTC, I sincerely trust that our request will receive favourable consideration.
Let us hope for prompt relief, so that taxpayers can focus on rebuilding their work amidst these challenging weather conditions without the additional stress of non-compliance.
The author is the President of The Malad Chamber of Tax Consultants (MCTC), a Mumbai-based professional body established in 1978. He is a lawyer with deep expertise in Income Tax, GST and business law, representing and guiding businesses and professionals across India.
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