Archive · 1 Sep 2026
7.8 Crore ITRs Filed as Non-Audit Tax Deadline Ends
The Income Tax Department said 7.8 crore income tax returns were filed by August 31, 2026.
The returns were for assessment year 2026-27.
The August 31 deadline applied to people and entities with business or professional income that did not need an audit.
Earlier updates had reported more than 7.5 crore and over 7 crore filings.
People who missed the deadline can still file a late return.
They can do this until December 31, 2026, or until their assessment is completed, whichever comes first.
Late filing may require extra fees and interest.
It may also delay refunds or prevent some losses from being carried forward.
The Income Tax Department said more than 7.8 crore ITRs for AY 2026-27 were filed by August 31, 2026.
Earlier department updates cited more than 7.5 crore and over 7 crore filings as the deadline approached.
The August 31 deadline applied to taxpayers with business or professional income whose accounts did not require audit.
Eligible taxpayers were advised to select the correct form, accurately report income and verify details before submission.
Belated returns can be filed until December 31, 2026, or assessment completion, whichever is earlier, but fees, interest and loss of some tax benefits may apply.
- Who
- Taxpayers with business or professional income whose accounts were not required to be audited, including eligible users of ITR-3, ITR-4, ITR-5 and ITR-7.
- What
- The Income Tax Department reported that 7.8 crore ITRs had been filed for AY 2026-27 and reminded taxpayers about the filing deadline and late-filing rules.
- When
- The original deadline was August 31, 2026; a belated return may be filed until December 31, 2026, or completion of assessment, whichever is earlier.
- Where
- India; the department issued its reminders on X, with one report datelined New Delhi.
- Why
- To complete filing and verification on time and avoid late fees, interest, delayed refunds, loss of certain tax benefits and restrictions on carrying forward eligible losses.
- Assessment year
- 2026-27
- Filings reported by August 31
- More than 7.8 crore, according to the department's September 1 update
- Earlier filing figures
- More than 7.5 crore and over 7 crore were cited in earlier updates
- Original deadline
- August 31, 2026, for eligible non-audit business and professional income taxpayers
- Belated-return deadline
- December 31, 2026, or completion of assessment, whichever is earlier
- Late filing fee
- Up to Rs 5,000 when total income exceeds Rs 5 lakh; capped at Rs 1,000 when income does not exceed Rs 5 lakh
- Interest on outstanding tax
- Section 234A provides for interest at 1% per month or part of a month
