New Delhi: More than 7.3 crore Income Tax Returns (ITRs) have been filed for Assessment Year (AY) 2026-27 so far, surpassing the number filed during the corresponding period last year, Revenue Secretary Arvind Shrivastava said. The milestone reflects continued growth in tax compliance as the government pushes for a simpler, technology-driven and taxpayer-friendly direct tax system.

Speaking about the ongoing reforms in the direct tax administration, Shrivastava said the Income Tax Department should increasingly be viewed as a facilitator for honest taxpayers rather than merely an enforcement agency. He highlighted initiatives aimed at simplifying tax laws, strengthening faceless assessment mechanisms and improving digital services for taxpayers.

ITR filings surpass last year’s pace

According to the Revenue Secretary, more than 7.3 crore returns have already been filed for AY 2026-27, exceeding the number recorded during the same period in the previous assessment year. The higher filing count indicates increased voluntary compliance and growing adoption of the Income Tax Department’s online filing ecosystem.

The government has attributed the rise to a combination of simplified return filing processes, greater taxpayer awareness and continuous improvements in digital infrastructure that make filing returns more convenient.

Focus on a taxpayer-friendly system

Shrivastava said the Centre has been working to transform the Income Tax Department into a service-oriented organisation that supports compliant taxpayers while ensuring transparency and efficiency.

He noted that reforms such as faceless assessments, technology-driven processes and simplified tax laws have helped reduce unnecessary interaction between taxpayers and tax officials, making the system more transparent and efficient.

The government also continues to invest in digital tools that improve taxpayer services and reduce compliance burdens across various categories of taxpayers.

Faster disposal of tax appeals

Highlighting administrative improvements, the Revenue Secretary said around 2.24 lakh tax appeals were disposed of during FY26, representing nearly a 30 per cent year-on-year increase.

The faster disposal of pending appeals is expected to reduce litigation, improve taxpayer confidence and enhance the overall efficiency of the direct tax administration.

Deadline draws closer

The announcement comes as taxpayers prepare to file their returns ahead of the July 31 deadline for eligible individual taxpayers.

Tax experts continue to advise taxpayers not to wait until the final days, particularly after several users recently reported technical glitches on the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal during peak filing hours. Filing early allows sufficient time to rectify errors, complete e-verification and avoid last-minute issues.

Government continues tax reforms

The Centre has been focusing on making India’s tax administration more technology-driven through digital services, automation and simplified procedures.

Officials say these initiatives are intended to improve voluntary compliance, reduce disputes and make tax administration more efficient while maintaining transparency and accountability. The latest filing numbers indicate that more taxpayers are embracing digital filing as the government’s reforms continue to expand.

Conclusion

Crossing the 7.3 crore ITR mark ahead of the filing deadline marks another milestone in India’s tax compliance journey. With digital reforms, faceless administration and improved taxpayer services, the government aims to further strengthen voluntary compliance while making the income tax filing process faster and more user-friendly.