CBDT sends tax audit reminders to nearly 12,000 professionals ahead of 21 October deadline: What is SAKSHAM NUDGE?

The CBDT has expanded its SAKSHAM NUDGE initiative to include tax professionals, sending nearly 12,000 reminders to those with lower-than-usual tax audit filings. 

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has widened its SAKSHAM NUDGE initiative. It now includes tax professionals, such as chartered accountants and other practitioners. Nearly 12,000 professionals have received reminders to complete their pending tax audit reports.

The reminders concern assessment year 2026-27, with the deadline approaching on 21 October. The original deadline was 30 September. Many reports remain pending, a senior government official told Moneycontrol.

The Income Tax Department has sent these reminders through SMS and email. It selected professionals whose filings were below half their previous financial year's total. The comparison covers tax audit reports in Form 3CD, according to the official.

More than 19.5 lakh tax audit reports have already been filed for assessment year 2026-27. However, the CBDT noticed that a significant number were still awaiting submission. The department has urged professionals to speed up their work before the extended deadline.

SAKSHAM NUDGE earlier focused on taxpayers, encouraging them to meet their tax responsibilities. It also encouraged them to correct possible reporting errors. Its expansion recognises the role of tax professionals in helping taxpayers complete required filings.

A CBDT official has told Business Standard that tax professionals help businesses and other specified taxpayers fulfil their tax audit requirements. The campaign encourages these professionals to submit pending reports before the deadline.