The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on Friday clarified that the order about another extension to the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing circulating on social media is fake and taxpayers should complete their filing for FY19 by 31 August 2019.

"It has come to the notice of CBDT that an order is being circulated on social media pertaining to extension of due date for filing of income tax returns. It is categorically stated that the said order is not genuine. Taxpayers are advised to file their returns by 31.8.2019," CBDT said on Twitter.

The misleading order has been fast circulating over social media and is believed to be true considering the recent changes in ITR filing introduced by the department.

Note that if you fail to file the returns for financial year 2018-19 within 31 August, you have to option to file it till 31 March, however, you will have to pay a fine. A penalty of Rs 5,000 has to be paid if you file by 31 December and Rs 10,000 if you file between 1 January 2020 and 31 March 2020.