New Delhi , July 12 : The Income Tax Department has urged taxpayers to file their Income Tax Returns (ITRs) well before the deadline, saying early filing can help avoid last-minute rush, technical glitches and filing errors.
As part of its outreach campaign, the department has been sending reminder messages to taxpayers on their mobile phones. The message reads: “File Early, Stay Relaxed! Your ITR for AY 2026-27 awaits at the e-Filing portal. Due date 31st July 2026. Ignore if filed.”
The department clarified that the message is only a reminder and not a legal notice or warning. Taxpayers who have already filed their returns do not need to take any further action.
For individual taxpayers and salaried employees whose accounts are not subject to audit, the due date for filing Income Tax Returns for Assessment Year (AY) 2026-27, corresponding to Financial Year (FY) 2025-26, is July 31, 2026.
Meanwhile, the Income Tax Department said on Saturday that more than 17 million ITRs have been filed so far for FY 2025-26, reflecting strong filing momentum ahead of the deadline. More than one million returns were filed on Friday alone, according to the department.
The department said many taxpayers tend to wait until the final days to file their returns, resulting in heavy traffic on the e-filing portal and increasing the risk of technical issues and filing mistakes. The reminder campaign is aimed at encouraging taxpayers to spread filings over a longer period to reduce pressure on the system.
According to the department, filing returns early gives taxpayers sufficient time to reconcile salary income, tax deducted at source (TDS), bank interest and other sources of income, identify and correct discrepancies, and complete the verification process without time pressure. Early and accurate filing may also result in faster processing of tax refunds.
The department has advised taxpayers to keep essential documents, including Form 16, TDS details and updated PAN-Aadhaar information, ready before filing their returns.
The Income Tax Department also reiterated that ITR-1 (Sahaj) is meant for resident individuals with annual income of up to Rs 5 million from salary, one house property and other sources such as bank interest, including agricultural income of up to Rs 5,000. ITR-2 is applicable to individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) that do not have income from business or profession but earn capital gains, have annual income exceeding Rs 5 million, or own more than one residential property.
