Archive · 29 Jul 2026
ITR Filing Deadline Extension Speculation Amid Slow Pace
The deadline for filing income tax returns (ITR) in India is July 31.
As of July 28, only 4.69 crore returns have been filed, which is much lower than last year's record of 7.3 crore.
Many taxpayers and professionals are hoping for an extension because the government notified the ITR forms late, giving them less time to prepare.
However, the government has not announced any extension yet.
Tax experts advise taxpayers not to wait for an extension and to file their returns by the deadline to avoid penalties.
Only 4.69 crore ITRs filed as of July 28, with 2.6 crore needed to match last year's record.
Late notification of ITR forms and utilities has reduced the preparation window for taxpayers.
Taxpayers and professionals are speculating about a possible extension of the July 31 deadline.
The government has not announced any extension yet, and tax experts advise filing by the deadline.
Last year's deadline was extended to September 16 due to technical issues and delays in form notification.
- Who
- Indian taxpayers and the Income Tax Department
- What
- Speculation over a possible extension of the ITR filing deadline
- When
- As of July 28, with the deadline on July 31
- Where
- India
- Why
- Due to the slow pace of filings and late notification of ITR forms and utilities
Taxpayers and Professionals
Government and Tax Department
Need for Extension
Taxpayers and Professionals
Taxpayers and professionals argue for an extension due to late notification of ITR forms and utilities, which reduced the preparation window.
Government and Tax Department
The government has not announced an extension yet, emphasizing the official deadline of July 31.
Filing Pace
Taxpayers and Professionals
Taxpayers believe the slow filing pace justifies an extension to avoid penalties and technical issues.
Government and Tax Department
The government may not extend the deadline significantly, as the situation differs from last year's extended deadline.
- Current ITR Filings
- 4.69 crore
- Verified Returns
- 4.40 crore
- Processed Returns
- 2.33 crore
- Registered Users
- 14.11 crore
- Last Year's Record
- 7.3 crore
- Remaining Days
- 3 days (as of July 28)
- Late Filing Fee
- Section 234F
- Official Deadline
- July 31