Deadline Surge: Over 1 Crore ITRs Expected As Taxpayers Race Against The Clock

As the extended deadline for filing income tax returns (ITRs) for the assessment year 2025–26 closes today, September 15, India’s digital tax infrastructure is bracing for a final-day surge. With over 6.29 crore returns already filed, the Income Tax Department anticipates more than 1 crore additional filings before midnight, pushing the total close to 7.8 crore—marking a new high in compliance volume.

 

This year’s filing window was extended from July 31 to September 15 for non-audit taxpayers, including salaried individuals, pensioners, and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs). The extension followed delays in the release of updated ITR forms and changes introduced in the interim budget. However, the clustering of deadlines—especially with the second installment of advance tax also due today—has created a dual burden for taxpayers and professionals alike.

 

Key highlights from the final-day filing rush

 

- Over 1 crore ITRs expected to be filed on September 15 alone  

- Total filings for AY 2025–26 projected to reach 7.8 crore, up from 6.77 crore last year  

- The deadline applies to non-audit taxpayers; audit cases have until October 31  

- Income Tax Department confirms no further extension beyond today  

- Helpdesk support available 24x7 via calls, live chat, WebEx, and social media  

- Penalty of Rs 5,000 applies for late filing, capped at Rs 1,000 for incomes below Rs 5 lakh  

 

Portal Performance And User Experience

 

Despite the volume spike, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has assured users that the e-filing portal remains stable. Officials attribute most technical issues to browser-related glitches rather than systemic failures. Last year, the portal processed a record 70 lakh returns in a single day, and similar throughput is expected today.

 

To assist users, the department has deployed a 24x7 helpdesk offering real-time support through multiple channels. Taxpayers facing login issues, verification delays, or payment errors are being guided through live sessions and social media updates.

 

Tax Professionals Under Pressure

 

Chartered accountants and tax consultants across the country are reporting intense workloads, with many working overnight to meet client deadlines. The overlap of ITR filing and advance tax payment has compounded the pressure, especially for small firms and individual practitioners.

 

Experts note that while the portal is functioning efficiently, the sheer volume of last-minute filings creates bottlenecks in document preparation, digital signature verification, and bank transaction processing. Many professionals have urged the department to consider staggered deadlines in future cycles to ease the compliance burden.

 

Year-On-Year Growth And Filing Trends

 

India’s ITR filing volume has shown consistent growth over the past four years:

 

- AY 2021–22: 5.77 crore returns  

- AY 2022–23: 5.82 crore returns  

- AY 2023–24: 6.77 crore returns  

- AY 2025–26 (projected): 7.8 crore returns  

 

This upward trend reflects improved digital literacy, wider adoption of online tax tools, and increased awareness of compliance benefits. The introduction of pre-filled forms, simplified verification methods, and mobile-friendly interfaces has also contributed to higher participation.

 

What Happens After The Deadline

 

Taxpayers who miss today’s deadline face a penalty under Section 234F of the Income Tax Act. The fine is Rs 5,000 for most cases, but capped at Rs 1,000 for those with income below Rs 5 lakh. Late filers also lose the ability to carry forward certain losses and may experience refund delays or closer scrutiny.

 

The department has clarified that no further extension will be granted, despite circulating rumors of a September 30 deadline. Taxpayers are advised to file immediately to avoid penalties and ensure smooth processing.

 

Mixing Intention With Compliance

 

India’s tax culture is evolving, with digital platforms enabling faster, more transparent filing. As over 1 crore taxpayers log in today, the final-day rush underscores both the scale of participation and the urgency of reform. Whether through better planning or smarter systems, the future of tax compliance will depend on aligning deadlines with user realities.

 

Sources: MSN India, Zee Business, Zee News, News18