About 2 crore ITRs filed so far. Should you wait for a deadline extension?
With around two crore returns already filed and the filing process running smoothly this year, taxpayers may be better off completing their returns well before the deadline.
If you're still waiting for the government to extend the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing deadline, the latest numbers from the Income Tax Department suggest you may not want to delay much longer. More than 2 crore taxpayers have already filed their returns for Assessment Year 2026-27, showing that the filing season is well underway.
In a post on X, the Income Tax department said that more than 1.7 crore taxpayers had already filed their returns and over 10 lakh ITRs were submitted in a single day.
The department has also advised taxpayers not to wait for the last-minute rush and to file their returns in time.
WHY A DEADLINE EXTENSION LOOKS UNLIKELY
Many taxpayers received extra time to file their returns last year after the government extended the deadline. However, the circumstances this year are different.
Last year's extension was mainly because ITR forms were notified late, and the online filing utilities were released much later than usual, leaving taxpayers with less time to complete the process.
This year, most ITR forms and the corresponding filing utilities have already been made available. As a result, taxpayers have had adequate time to prepare and submit their returns.
According to tax experts, unless there is a major technical glitch or a widespread disruption in the filing system, there is little reason for the government to announce another extension.
Delaying ITR filing in the hope of a deadline extension could prove costly if the due date remains unchanged, as one may have to pay a late filing fee under Section 234F of the Income Tax Act. They may also be liable to pay interest on any outstanding tax dues.
FILE EARLY TO AVOID LAST-MINUTE STRESS
With around two crore returns already filed and the filing process running smoothly this year, taxpayers may be better off completing their returns well before the deadline.
Filing early can help avoid last-minute technical issues, reduce stress and protect taxpayers from avoidable fees, interest and other consequences if no extension is announced.
If you're still waiting for the government to extend the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing deadline, the latest numbers from the Income Tax Department suggest you may not want to delay much longer. More than 2 crore taxpayers have already filed their returns for Assessment Year 2026-27, showing that the filing season is well underway.
In a post on X, the Income Tax department said that more than 1.7 crore taxpayers had already filed their returns and over 10 lakh ITRs were submitted in a single day.
The department has also advised taxpayers not to wait for the last-minute rush and to file their returns in time.
WHY A DEADLINE EXTENSION LOOKS UNLIKELY
Many taxpayers received extra time to file their returns last year after the government extended the deadline. However, the circumstances this year are different.
Last year's extension was mainly because ITR forms were notified late, and the online filing utilities were released much later than usual, leaving taxpayers with less time to complete the process.
This year, most ITR forms and the corresponding filing utilities have already been made available. As a result, taxpayers have had adequate time to prepare and submit their returns.
According to tax experts, unless there is a major technical glitch or a widespread disruption in the filing system, there is little reason for the government to announce another extension.
Delaying ITR filing in the hope of a deadline extension could prove costly if the due date remains unchanged, as one may have to pay a late filing fee under Section 234F of the Income Tax Act. They may also be liable to pay interest on any outstanding tax dues.
FILE EARLY TO AVOID LAST-MINUTE STRESS
With around two crore returns already filed and the filing process running smoothly this year, taxpayers may be better off completing their returns well before the deadline.
Filing early can help avoid last-minute technical issues, reduce stress and protect taxpayers from avoidable fees, interest and other consequences if no extension is announced.
