Considering the devastating floods which have affected life in the state, the due date for filing income tax return for assessees in Kerala has been extended by 15 days to September 15 by the CBDT (Central Board of Direct Taxes). The deadline to file income tax return for the financial year 2017-18 for individual taxpayers was extended from 31 July to 31 August earlier. The new extension is solely for taxpayers in the state of Kerala.

"In view of the disruption caused due to severe floods in Kerala, the CBDT hereby further extends the 'Due Date' for furnishing Income Tax Returns from August 31, 2018 to September 15, 2018 for all Income Tax assessees in the State of Kerala, who were liable to file their Income Tax Returns by August 31, 2018," the CBDT said.

The heavy rains this month and subsequent floods has lead to extensive destruction of life and property in the state. The authorities had earlier exempted basic customs duty and Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) was for goods imported or supplied for flood relief operations in Kerala.