And India achieved a major milestone in tax compliance as more than 5.9 crore Income Tax Returns (ITRs) were filed for Assessment Year (AY) 2026-27 by July 31, the deadline for filing ITR-1 and ITR-2 for individuals who do not require an audit.
Taxpayers were thanked for their timely compliance, and the response shows an increasing trust in the country’s tax administration and helps to develop India's economy.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the department said:
"Thank you, taxpayers! We have filed over 5.9 Crore ITRs for AY 2026–27 by July 31. Your trust and timely compliance generate the energy that fuels India’s growth."
ITR-1 filings slightly lower than last year
According to official data:
- Total ITRs filed: Over 5.9 crore.
- ITR-1 (Sahaj): 3.15 crore.
- ITR-1 filed last year: 3.3 crore.
- ITR-2 filings: Broadly in line with the previous year.
The slight decline in ITR-1 filings is thought to be related to the changes introduced under the new tax regime, where people with taxable income up to ₹12 lakh may have reduced filing requirements in some cases.
Who Files ITR-1 and ITR-2?
ITR-1 (Sahaj) is the most used return form and is meant for resident individuals with:
- Annual income up to ₹50 lakh.
- Income from salary or pension.
- One house property.
- Agricultural income up to ₹5,000.
ITR-2 applies to individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) who do not have business or professional income but earn income from sources such as capital gains, multiple house properties or foreign assets.
August 31 Deadline for Business Taxpayers
July 31 was the due date for ITR-1 and ITR-2 filers who are not subject to tax audit, but taxpayers who were required to file ITR-3 and ITR-4 still have time.
The deadline for filing these returns is August 31, and the total number of returns filed is expected to increase considerably in the coming weeks.
Comparison with Last Year
For Assessment Year 2025-26, more than 7.3 crore income tax returns were filed by September 16, 2025, after an extension of the filing deadline.
The final filing count for the current assessment year is expected to go up dramatically given that business owners, professionals and other eligible taxpayers need to submit their returns before the August deadline.
Data on digital tax filing is rising as people are now aware of and the government is focused on a more effective and transparent tax administration system.
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