New Delhi, Sept. 1 -- New Delhi: More than 78 million income-tax returns (ITRs) had been filed for assessment year (AY) 2026-27 as of 31 August, the income tax department said on Tuesday.

"A record 7.8 crore+ (78 million) ITRs have been filed for AY2026-27 as on August 31, 2026," the department said in a post on social media platform X, thanking taxpayers and tax professionals for timely compliance.

The 31 August milestone is significant because it was the statutory due date for taxpayers with business or professional income whose accounts are not required to be audited for AY27. The revised filing schedule provided a 31 July deadline for other taxpayers not covered under specified categories.

The latest figure comes against a backdrop...