New Delhi, July 29 -- With the deadline for filing the income tax return (ITR) for the Assessment Year 2026-27 (FY 2025-26) drawing closer, many taxpayers are once again wondering whether the government will announce a last-minute extension.

The expectation is not without precedent. Over the past five years, the income tax department extended various filing deadlines on four ocassions, largely due to disruptions caused by the pandemic, changes to return forms, technical issues on the filing portal, or delays in releasing ITR utilities.

This year, the deadline for filing ITR-1 and ITR-2 has been set at 31 July. It applies to most salaried employees, pensioners and students, with income up to Rs.50 lakh from two house properties, interest...