The Income Tax Department has announced that more than six crore Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for the Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26 have already been filed. With the September 15 deadline fast approaching, taxpayers are being urged to complete their filings promptly to avoid penalties and last-minute technical glitches.
Milestone Achievement
“Thank you taxpayers & tax professionals for helping us reach the milestone of 6 crore Income Tax Returns (ITRs) as of now and still counting,” the Income Tax Department posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The current deadline, extended earlier from July 31 to September 15, applies to individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), and other non-audit entities. The extension was granted after significant revisions were made to ITR forms in late April and May 2025, requiring updates to utilities and backend systems.
Filing your tax return this year? Head to our detailed ITR Guide for everything you need to know.
24×7 Helpdesk and Filing Options
To ease the process, the department’s helpdesk is operating 24×7, offering assistance via calls, live chat, WebEx sessions, and social media. Officials have urged taxpayers not to wait until the final day, warning that heavy portal traffic could cause delays.
Timely filing not only avoids penalties but also ensures faster refunds and smoother processing. Taxpayers are advised to use pre-filled details on the portal and verify submissions through Aadhaar OTP for error-free filing.
Those not liable for an income tax audit in AY 2025-26 can file their ITR directly through the e-filing portal. Options include self-filing, availing Chartered Accountant (CA) support, or using automated platforms integrated with CA inputs. While the Income Tax portal is free, third-party services may charge based on income sources and assistance levels.