Over 17 Million Taxpayers File ITRs Ahead of July 31 Deadline: Income Tax Department

The Income Tax Department has announced that the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing process for the Assessment Year 2026-27 (Financial Year 2025-26) is progressing at a record pace. In an official statement released on Saturday, the department revealed that more than 1.7 crore taxpayers have already successfully filed their returns. Highlighting the accelerating momentum of the tax season, the department noted that over 10 lakh ITRs were filed on Friday alone.

Choosing Between ITR-1 and ITR-2 Forms
To ensure a smooth filing experience and avoid processing delays, it is crucial for taxpayers to select the correct form based on their specific financial profile. The department clarified that individuals with a total annual income of up to ₹50 lakh—comprising salary, income from a single house property, and agricultural income up to ₹5,000—are required to file their returns using the ITR-1 form.

Conversely, individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) who earn income through capital gains, but do not have any income derived from a business or profession, must submit their financial details using the ITR-2 form.

With the crucial deadline for filing both ITR-1 and ITR-2 set for July 31, the Income Tax Department has strongly advised all eligible taxpayers to complete their filings at the earliest. Officials urged citizens not to wait until the final hour to avoid last-minute portal congestion, potential technical difficulties, and late filing penalties.