Over 5.5 Crore ITRs Filed for AY 2026-27

Filing activity has gathered momentum over recent weeks. The department earlier reported that more than 1.7 crore returns had been filed by July 11. The figure rose to over 3 crore by July 22, crossed 4 crore on July 27 and exceeded 5 crore on Thursday before reaching 5.5 crore on Friday.

Authorities have repeatedly urged taxpayers not to wait until the last moment in order to avoid possible technical congestion on the e-filing portal. They have also advised filers to carefully reconcile information available in Form 16, the Annual Information Statement (AIS), Form 26AS, bank statements and other income records before submitting returns.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes has notified revised ITR forms for AY 2026-27. The updated forms incorporate additional disclosure requirements covering areas such as long-term capital gains, losses arising from share buybacks and certain trading transactions.

In the previous financial year, more than 9 crore taxpayers filed income tax returns during FY 2024-25, while the department issued refunds exceeding Rs 4.35 lakh crore.

The sustained rise in filings on the final day underscores both the scale of compliance and the department’s continued emphasis on early submission to ensure smoother processing.