If you’ve been holding off on settling a tax dispute, now is the time to act. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has officially announced that April 30, 2024, is the last date to declare your pending tax dues under the Direct Tax Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme.

This scheme is a golden opportunity for taxpayers to resolve their long-pending tax issues without going through a lengthy legal process. All you have to do is make a formal declaration to the designated authority — and you’re a step closer to peace of mind. The Income Tax Department shared the news via its X handle (formerly Twitter), reminding everyone that the clock is ticking.

“This notification would mean that all those tax-payers who want to opt for this scheme can file declarations to the designated authority on or before 30th April, 2025. This is the first time that a deadline has been notified and tax-payers may take benefit of the scheme till month end. Also one should take care that the scheme applies only for disputes which were pending as on 22nd July, 2024,” says CA Kinjal Bhuta, secretary, Bombay Chartered Accountants’ Society.

What Is Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme? 

The government announced the Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme in Budget 2024 to help individuals and businesses quickly and easily settle their tax disputes. Instead of battling it out in court, you can declare your arrears, pay the due amount, and walk away with no further complications.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced this scheme in July last year to allow taxpayers to settle outstanding income tax issues. Vivad Se Vishwas 2.0 became operational on 1 October 2024.

Eligibility

According to the Income Tax Department, any tax appeal that is still pending as of July 22, 2024, will qualify for the Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme 2024 — even if the appeal is later withdrawn or resolved.

In other words, the eligibility for the scheme is based on the appeal’s status on July 22, not what happens to it afterward.