New Delhi, Aug 31: More than 7.5 crore income tax returns (ITRs) have been filed for Assessment Year 2026-27, highlighting the strong pace of tax compliance ahead of the August 31 deadline for eligible non-audit taxpayers.
The Income Tax Department has urged taxpayers who are yet to complete their returns to finish the process at the earliest rather than waiting until the final hours. The August 31 deadline applies to taxpayers earning business or professional income whose accounts are not required to be audited.
The large number of filings reflects the increasing use of digital tax services and broader participation in the formal tax system. Taxpayers are also advised to carefully check their income, deductions and other details before submitting their returns.
Filing the return, however, is not the final step. Taxpayers must also complete the required e-verification process within the prescribed period for the return to be processed.
The surge in filings is significant for the wider economy as stronger tax compliance can improve revenue collection and provide the government with greater resources for infrastructure, public services and development programmes.
For taxpayers who miss the applicable deadline, a belated return can still be filed within the prescribed period, although late filing may attract applicable fees and other consequences. The Income Tax Department’s official guidance states that for AY 2026-27, belated returns may be filed by December 31, 2026, subject to the applicable provisions.
With ITR filings already crossing 7.5 crore, the department’s latest appeal is aimed at ensuring that eligible taxpayers complete their compliance requirements without a last-minute rush.