Government Advises Early Filing as Over 5 Crore Returns Are Already Submitted for AY 2026–27
With only one day remaining before the July 31 deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for Assessment Year (AY) 2026–27, the Income Tax Department has urged eligible taxpayers not to wait until the final hours to complete the filing process.
According to the latest updates, taxpayers have been advised to file their returns as early as possible to avoid last-minute server congestion, technical glitches and heavy traffic on the e-filing portal. The department stated that more than 5 crore ITRs have already been filed for AY 2026–27, reflecting strong compliance during the current filing season.
Deadline Extension Appears Unlikely
Tax experts believe that an extension of the July 31 deadline is unlikely this year.
According to the updates, previous extensions were generally granted only under exceptional circumstances such as:
- COVID-19 disruptions
- Delayed release of ITR forms
- Technical issues on the e-filing portal
The government has indicated that no similar large-scale issues have been reported this year, and taxpayers are therefore encouraged to complete filing within the prescribed timeline rather than expect a last-minute extension.
What Taxpayers Should Verify Before Filing
Before submitting an Income Tax Return, taxpayers are advised to carefully review all information entered in the return.
Key details to verify include:
- PAN
- Aadhaar number
- Bank account details
- Selected tax regime
- Income reported
- TDS details
- Claimed deductions
- Correct ITR form
- Tax computation
Reviewing these details helps minimise errors, processing delays and possible notices from the Income Tax Department.
Essential Documents Required
Taxpayers filing ITR-1 should keep the following documents readily available:
- Form 16
- Annual Information Statement (AIS)
- Form 26AS
- House rent receipts (where applicable)
- Investment proofs
- Insurance premium receipts
These documents help ensure accurate reporting of income and deductions while completing the return.
Filing Process in Brief
The Income Tax Department has outlined a step-by-step process for filing returns online.
Taxpayers should:
- Log in to the Income Tax e-Filing portal.
- Select AY 2026–27.
- Choose the appropriate ITR form.
- Select the reason for filing.
- Verify all pre-filled information.
- Pay any outstanding tax liability.
- Submit the return.
- Complete e-verification within 30 days.
Choose the Correct ITR Form
The filing instructions explain that taxpayers should select the return form based on their income profile:
- ITR-1: Salaried individuals with basic income sources.
- ITR-2: Individuals with capital gains, foreign assets or multiple house properties.
- ITR-3: Business or professional income.
- ITR-4: Taxpayers opting for the presumptive taxation scheme.
Consequences of Missing the Deadline
Taxpayers who miss the original filing deadline may still submit a belated return until December 31, but certain consequences may apply.
According to the updates:
- Late filing fee may apply under Section 234F.
- Taxpayers with income exceeding ₹5 lakh may have to pay a late fee of ₹5,000.
- Those with income up to ₹5 lakh may be liable for a ₹1,000 late fee.
- Interest on unpaid tax may also be payable at 1% per month or part thereof, where applicable.
Certain Taxpayers Have a Different Due Date
The update also notes that taxpayers having business or professional income in non-audit cases have been provided a filing deadline of August 31, whereas taxpayers filing ITR-1 and ITR-2 continue to be subject to the July 31 due date.
Government Monitoring e-Filing Portal
The government stated that the Income Tax e-Filing portal is being monitored continuously through dedicated dashboards to minimise technical disruptions during the peak filing period.
Officials said that reported technical issues are identified, escalated and addressed within defined timelines to support uninterrupted filing.