From correspondents in Delhi, India, 11:00 PM IST

The last date for filing income tax returns in the northeastern state of Sikkim has been extended to Oct 31 this year, the central government said here Tuesday.

'The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has extended the last date of filing of income tax returns to Oct 31 this year from July 31,' the finance ministry said in a statement.

The ministry said the date has been extended in Sikkim in view of the delay in issuing instructions about the filing of income tax returns by non-Sikkimese residing in the northeastern state.

Sikkim's annual plan budget for the current fiscal is pegged at Rs.8.52 billion ($185 million).

(Staff Writer, © IANS)