Over 6.5 Crore Returns Filed for AY 2026-27; More Than 2 Crore ITR-3 and ITR-4 Returns Submitted
NEW DELHI, AUGUST 24: The Income Tax Department has urged taxpayers having income from business or profession and who are not required to undergo tax audit to file their Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for Assessment Year (AY) 2026-27 before the August 31 deadline.
The department, through a social media post, reminded eligible taxpayers that August 31, 2026 is the due date for filing ITRs for AY 2026-27 in cases where income from business or profession is not subject to tax audit.
“31st August 2026 is the due date for filing ITRs for AY 2026-27 for taxpayers with business or professional income who are not subject to audit,” the department said, urging taxpayers to complete the filing process within the prescribed deadline.
According to the latest figures shared by the Income Tax Department, more than 6.5 crore ITRs had been filed for AY 2026-27 as of August 20. Of these, over 2 crore ITR-3 and ITR-4 returns had been submitted through the e-filing portal.
The department said the filings also include more than 5.9 crore ITR-1 and ITR-2 returns, which were filed by the July 31 deadline applicable to taxpayers covered under those return categories.
For taxpayers falling under the non-audit category, the applicable return forms may include ITR-3, ITR-4, ITR-5 or ITR-7, depending on the nature of income and the taxpayer’s status.
ITR-3 is generally applicable to individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) having income from a proprietary business or profession, while other ITR forms cater to specified categories of taxpayers.
The Income Tax Department has advised eligible taxpayers not to wait until the last moment and to complete their returns well before the deadline to avoid a last-minute rush or difficulties on the e-filing portal.
With the August 31 deadline fast approaching, taxpayers having business or professional income and falling outside the tax-audit requirement have been advised to ensure that their returns are filed accurately and within the prescribed time limit.
The department’s reminder comes as the number of ITR filings for AY 2026-27 continues to rise, with taxpayers being encouraged to complete the compliance process ahead of the deadline.(KNC)
