Over 6.5 crore income tax returns have already been filed for Assessment Year (AY) 2026-27, with more than 2 crore ITR-3 and ITR-4 returns submitted as of August 20, the Income Tax Department said. It has urged taxpayers covered under the non-audit category to complete their filings before the August 31 deadline.
The department issued the reminder as the deadline for taxpayers with business or professional income approaches. Its post on X asked taxpayers to avoid the last-minute rush and file ITR-3, ITR-4, ITR-5 and ITR-7 before August 31.
ITR-3 is applicable to individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) who have income from business or profession and are not eligible to file ITR-1, ITR-2 or ITR-4. The form can cover income from salary or pension, house property, business or profession, capital gains and other sources.
Also Read: Filed Your ITR On Time? Three Reasons You Still Might Get Tax Notice; What To Do Next
ITR-4, also known as Sugam, applies to eligible resident individuals, HUFs and firms other than LLPs. It covers taxpayers with total income of up to Rs 50 lakh who report eligible business or professional income under the presumptive taxation provisions of sections 44AD, 44ADA or 44AE.
ITR-5 is used by entities such as firms, Limited Liability Partnerships, associations of persons and bodies of individuals, subject to the applicable rules. The Income Tax Department has already enabled the ITR-5 utility for AY 2026-27.
ITR-7 applies to taxpayers required to file returns under specified provisions of the Income-tax Act. This includes certain trusts, political parties and other specified entities.
The department's e-filing portal confirms that August 31, 2026 is the applicable due date for non-audit cases. Taxpayers whose accounts require audit follow separate deadlines.
Also Read: Filing ITR As Freelancer? Know Which Form To Choose Before August 31
The Income Tax Department has also advised taxpayers to select the correct ITR form and complete verification after filing. Filing early can help taxpayers address errors, documentation issues or technical problems before the deadline.
With filings already crossing 6.5 crore, taxpayers covered by the August 31 deadline should complete their returns without waiting for the final day.
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