The Income Tax (I-T) Department in India has reported that over one crore (10 million) income tax returns (ITRs) have been filed by taxpayers till June 26 this year, compared to the same time period last year where only one crore ITRs were filed by July 8. With the last date for filing annual returns quickly approaching, the I-T Department has urged taxpayers to file their returns at the earliest, attributing the early filings this year to taxpayer awareness and the department’s efforts to make ITR filing easier and more accessible. The department said in a tweet that it is committed to enhancing taxpayer facilitation and ease of filing.
The prompt filing of ITRs is expected to make the entire process of return filing smoother, faster and less daunting for taxpayers. The department also noted that the 1 crore milestone was reached 12 days earlier this year compared to last year. A spokesperson from the department has urged taxpayers to keep up the momentum and file their ITRs early to avoid last-minute rushes.
This development is significant in that it indicates a marked improvement in the awareness of taxpayers, and reinforces the growing culture of compliance in India. Taxpayers are encouraged to take advantage of the department’s user-friendly online filing platform, which is available 24/7 and helps to eliminate the need for taxpayers to spend time in long queues at tax offices. With the deadline for filing income tax returns fast approaching, the I-T Department has reiterated that it remains committed to ensuring ease of filing and improving taxpayer facilitation.
