Over 4 crore ITRs filed for AY 2026-27; I-T Dept urges early action before July 31
Synopsis
More than 4 crore income tax returns have been filed for AY 2026-27 in a filing season that has seen over 15 lakh submissions in a single day. With the 31 July deadline imminent and CBDT's revised forms carrying new capital gains disclosure rules, millions of taxpayers are still racing to file — and the I-T Department is warning them not to leave it to the last hour.
Key Takeaways
The Income Tax Department confirmed over 4 crore ITRs filed for AY 2026-27 as of 27 July 2025 .
The jump from 3 crore to 4 crore filings happened in under a week, with more than 15 lakh returns submitted in a single day.
The filing deadline is 31 July 2025 ; the department has urged taxpayers to file early to avoid portal congestion.
ITR-1 (Sahaj) is for individuals with income up to ₹50 lakh from salary and other sources; ITR-2 covers those with capital gains income.
CBDT revised AY 2026-27 forms to include new disclosure norms on long-term capital gains , share buyback losses, and certain trading transactions.
The Income Tax Department on Monday, 27 July announced that more than 4 crore income tax returns (ITRs) have been filed for Assessment Year (AY) 2026-27, urging remaining taxpayers to complete their filings well ahead of the 31 July deadline to avoid last-minute congestion on the e-filing portal. The milestone reflects a sharp acceleration in filing pace as the due date draws near.
Filing Pace Picks Up Sharply
The 4 crore mark was crossed in less than a week after the department had reported filings surpassing the 3 crore threshold — a stretch during which more than 15 lakh returns were submitted in a single day. Earlier this month, the department had noted that over 1.7 crore taxpayers had already filed, indicating a steady build-up in momentum as the deadline approaches.
Who Should File ITR-1 and ITR-2
ITR-1 (Sahaj) is designed for resident individuals with total income of up to ₹50 lakh from salary, one house property, and other sources — including agricultural income not exceeding ₹5,000. ITR-2 applies to individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) who do not have income from business or professional profits but earn from sources such as capital gains. The department specifically advised eligible filers in these two categories to act without delay.
What Changed in AY 2026-27 Forms
Earlier this year, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) notified revised ITR forms for AY 2026-27 carrying updated disclosure requirements. Key additions include reporting norms related to long-term capital gains, losses arising from share buybacks, and certain trading transactions — changes that may require filers to gather additional documentation before submission.
Why Early Filing Matters
The department has repeatedly cautioned taxpayers against waiting until the final days, warning that heavy traffic on the e-filing portal in the run-up to the deadline can delay submissions and slow down return processing. Filing early also reduces the risk of technical errors that tend to spike when server loads are at their peak. With the 31 July cut-off now days away, the department's appeal carries added urgency for the crores of taxpayers yet to file.
Point of View
But it likely represents a fraction of the total eligible taxpayer base — meaning the real filing rush is still ahead. The CBDT's decision to expand disclosure requirements in AY 2026-27 forms, particularly around capital gains and buyback losses, adds compliance complexity precisely when speed is at a premium. If the e-filing portal buckles under last-minute load — as it has in previous years — the department's repeated appeals to file early will look like fair warning that went unheeded. The structural fix is a longer or staggered deadline, not annual advisories.
NationPress
27 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ITRs have been filed for AY 2026-27 so far?
More than 4 crore income tax returns have been filed for Assessment Year 2026-27 as of 27 July 2025, according to the Income Tax Department. The count crossed 3 crore less than a week earlier, with over 15 lakh returns filed in a single day during that period.
What is the last date to file an income tax return for AY 2026-27?
The deadline to file ITRs for AY 2026-27 is 31 July 2025. The Income Tax Department has urged taxpayers to complete their filings well before this date to avoid congestion on the e-filing portal.
Who should file ITR-1 and ITR-2?
ITR-1 (Sahaj) is for resident individuals with total income up to ₹50 lakh from salary, one house property, and other sources including agricultural income of up to ₹5,000. ITR-2 applies to individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) who have income from capital gains but not from business or professional activity.
What is new in the AY 2026-27 ITR forms?
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) notified revised ITR forms for AY 2026-27 earlier this year with updated disclosure requirements. The changes include reporting norms for long-term capital gains, losses from share buybacks, and certain trading transactions.
Why does the Income Tax Department want taxpayers to file early?
Filing early helps avoid heavy traffic on the e-filing portal that typically builds up in the final days before the 31 July deadline. The department says early submission also ensures smoother and faster processing of returns.
