With the nearing of the March 31 deadline, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), the apex policy-making body, has directed the Income Tax department across the country, to keep their offices open on Thursday (29 March), Friday (30 March) and Saturday (31 March) in order to receive returns from taxpayers and for their convenience. The financial year 2017-18 closes on 31 March, 2018. There are two closed holidays – 29 March for Mahavir Jayanti and 30 March for Good Friday.

Reportedly, an order issued by the Board said that ,"to facilitate the filing of income tax returns and completion of pending departmental work, all Income Tax Offices throughout India shall remain open on 29th, 30th, and 31st March 2018. The ASK Centers shall also be kept open on these days. Further, special arrangements may also be made by way of opening additional receipt counters, wherever required, on 29th, 30th and 31st March 2018 to facilitate the filing of returns by the taxpayers.”

According to reports, the Income Tax Department has already warned taxpayers to ‘Come Clean’ and file their belated or revised income tax returns for assessment years 2016-17 and 2017-18, with interest, if any, for late filing latest by March 31, 2018.  Here are 5 easy steps to file Income Tax returns online at at incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 27, 2018 11:54 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).