The Income Tax Department reported that over 1.7 crore Income Tax Returns (ITRs) have been filed for the financial year 2026-27 as of July 11. The last date for filing ITRs 1 and 2 for income earned in the 2025-26 fiscal year is July 31.
Filing Numbers and Trends
According to the Income Tax Department, the number of returns filed this year shows a steady increase compared to previous years. The department attributed this to enhanced taxpayer awareness and simplified filing processes. As of July 11, a total of 1,72,34,567 ITRs have been filed, including both online and offline submissions.
Deadline and Compliance
The deadline for filing ITR-1 (Sahaj) and ITR-2 is July 31, 2026. Taxpayers are urged to file early to avoid last-minute glitches and penalties. The department has extended helpdesk hours and added more support centers to assist filers. Late filing may result in a penalty of up to Rs 5,000 under Section 234F of the Income Tax Act.
Digital Initiatives
The department highlighted that over 98% of returns have been filed online through the e-filing portal. New features such as pre-filled forms and instant refund processing have encouraged compliance. A senior official said, “Our goal is to make tax filing seamless and taxpayer-friendly. The response this year has been encouraging.”
Impact on Tax Revenue
Early filings are expected to boost tax collections for the government. The rise in ITR submissions also indicates improved tax compliance among individuals and businesses. The department is monitoring progress closely and will release updated figures weekly until the deadline.
