The Income Tax Department has announced that more than 1.7 crore taxpayers have successfully filed their Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for the Assessment Year (AY) 2026-27. As the filing deadline approaches, the department is encouraging all eligible taxpayers to submit their returns well before July 31 to avoid last-minute complications.
More Than 10 Lakh ITRs Filed in a Single Day
Sharing the latest update on social media platform X, the Income Tax Department revealed that over 10 lakh Income Tax Returns were filed on Friday alone. The sharp increase in submissions indicates that many taxpayers are completing the process as the due date nears.
Officials expect filing activity to rise further over the coming days and have advised taxpayers not to wait until the final deadline.
July 31 Is the Last Date for ITR-1 and ITR-2 Filing
For individuals filing returns for income earned during the Financial Year (FY) 2025-26, the last date to submit ITR-1 (Sahaj) and ITR-2 is July 31, 2026.
Missing the deadline could result in penalties, delayed refunds, and additional compliance requirements under the Income Tax Act.
Who Can File ITR-1 (Sahaj)?
ITR-1, commonly known as Sahaj, is a simplified income tax return form designed for resident individuals whose total annual income does not exceed ₹50 lakh.
Taxpayers can use this form if they earn income from:
- Salary or pension
- One residential house property
- Other income, such as interest
- Agricultural income up to ₹5,000 during the financial year
This form is intended to simplify the filing process for salaried individuals and pensioners with straightforward income sources.
Who Should File ITR-2?
ITR-2 is meant for individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) who do not earn income from business or professional activities.
It is generally applicable to taxpayers who have income from:
- Capital gains
- More than one house property
- Foreign assets or foreign income
- Other specified income sources not covered under ITR-1
Choosing the correct ITR form is essential to ensure accurate filing and avoid processing issues.
Why Filing Your Income Tax Return Early Is Important
The Income Tax Department has repeatedly advised taxpayers to complete their ITR filing well before the deadline instead of waiting until the final days.
Early filing offers several benefits, including:
- Faster processing of tax refunds
- Reduced chances of technical glitches on the e-filing portal
- More time to correct errors, if required
- A smoother and stress-free filing experience
Submitting returns in advance also helps taxpayers avoid the heavy traffic and system congestion typically seen during the last few days before the deadline.
Department Sending Reminders to Taxpayers
To encourage timely compliance, the Income Tax Department has started sending reminder messages, emails, and alerts to individuals who have not yet filed their returns.
The initiative aims to reduce the last-minute rush and help taxpayers avoid common mistakes that often occur when returns are filed in haste.
File Your ITR Before the Deadline
With the July 31 deadline approaching, tax officials are urging eligible taxpayers to complete the filing process as early as possible.
Filing your Income Tax Return on time not only ensures compliance with tax laws but also helps avoid unnecessary delays, penalties, and processing issues while enabling quicker refund disbursement for eligible taxpayers.