Over 7 Crore ITRs Filed: Income Tax Department Urges Remaining Taxpayers to Act Before Deadline

—

by

Himanshu
in ,

The Income Tax Department has confirmed that over 7 crore Income Tax Returns (ITRs) have already been filed for the current assessment year. With the due date approaching fast, it is urging the remaining taxpayers to complete their filing immediately to avoid late fees, penalties, and last-minute technical glitches.

Why the Rush to File Now?

Every year, a large number of taxpayers wait until the final few days to file their returns. This surge creates massive traffic on the income tax portal, often leading to slow response times or temporary downtime. By filing early, you reduce the risk of errors and avoid penalties.

StatusDetails
ITRs already filed7+ crore returns filed successfully
Deadline for filingApproaching fast – no extension announced yet
Penalty for late filing₹1,000 to ₹5,000 depending on income level
Refund processingFaster for early filers

No Extension Announced Yet

Despite hopes from many taxpayers, no official extension of the due date has been announced so far. The department has repeatedly urged individuals and businesses to act quickly and not wait for a possible extension.

Benefits of Filing Early

Filing your return early has several benefits beyond just avoiding penalties:

  • Faster Refunds: Early filers typically receive their refunds sooner.
  • Less Technical Issues: Lower traffic on the portal reduces login failures or timeouts.
  • Time for Corrections: If you discover an error, you can still revise before the deadline.
  • Peace of Mind: Filing early reduces stress and last-minute pressure.
BenefitWhy It Matters
Refund credited soonerHelps manage your cash flow efficiently.
Avoid penalty & interestSaves unnecessary extra cost.
Less portal downtimeEnsures smooth filing experience.

Tips for Smooth ITR Filing

  • Keep PAN, Aadhaar, Form 16/16A, Form 26AS, AIS and bank details ready.
  • Check TDS and advance tax details well before filing.
  • Use updated browsers and stable internet connection.
  • File during off-peak hours (early morning or late night).
  • Download and use the offline utility as a backup option.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

  • Late filing fee under Section 234F up to ₹5,000.
  • Interest on unpaid tax.
  • Loss of carry-forward benefits of certain losses.
  • Refund delays and scrutiny notices.

The Human Side of Deadlines

Social media is buzzing with jokes about taxpayers “racing against time” as the income tax portal slows down. Many compare it to “booking train tickets on festival days.” Yet, the reality remains: timely compliance is the safest route.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. The figures and deadlines are based on publicly available updates at the time of writing. Always verify details directly with the official Income Tax Department before taking action.