ITR Filing 2025-26: Over 6 Crore Returns Submitted, September 15 Deadline Approaches

ITR Filing 2025-26: Over 6 Crore Returns Submitted, September 15 Deadline Approaches

Income Tax Return (ITR) filing for Assessment Year 2025-26 has crossed 6 crore submissions, according to the Income Tax Department. With the September 15 deadline approaching fast, taxpayers are urged to file promptly to avoid penalties.

Over 6 Crore ITRs Filed for AY 2025-26

The Income Tax Department announced that it has received over six crore Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26, covering income earned during Financial Year (FY) 2024-25.

“Thank you taxpayers & tax professionals for helping us reach the milestone of 6 crore ITRs as of now and still counting,” the department posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The submissions highlight a steady growth trend, reflecting rising compliance and awareness among taxpayers.

September 15 is the Last Date for ITR Filing Without Penalty

The deadline for filing ITR without penalty is September 15, 2025. Earlier, the due date was July 31, but the government extended it following revisions in ITR forms introduced in April and May.

The extension applies to:

Individuals
Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs)
Non-audit cases

Those who miss the due date may still file a belated return, but with penalties and interest.

Why Was the Deadline Extended?

The extension was granted because of structural and content revisions in ITR forms. Updates were required in filing utilities and backend systems, which delayed the process. To ensure smooth filing for taxpayers, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) provided additional time.

24x7 Assistance for Taxpayers

To handle the heavy filing traffic, the Income Tax Department Helpdesk is providing round-the-clock support through:

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This aims to reduce last-minute issues and ensure taxpayers can file without hurdles.

Record ITR Filing Trend

For AY 2024-25, a record 7.28 crore ITRs were filed by July 31, 2024.
In comparison, 6.77 crore ITRs were filed the previous year.
This marked a 7.5% year-on-year increase.

Given the current pace, AY 2025-26 may also witness record-breaking numbers.

Key Takeaways for Taxpayers

? File your ITR before September 15, 2025 to avoid penalties.
? Use the updated ITR forms and filing utilities.
? Seek help from the Income Tax Department’s 24x7 support channels if needed.
? Keep documents like Form 16, bank statements, and investment proofs ready.