New Delhi, July 30 -- India has crossed 40 million income tax return (ITR) filings in less than four months. Behind the record pace is an increasingly technology-driven tax administration that is using artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics and digital tools to make compliance easier while widening the tax base. Mint explains.

The Income Tax Department crossed 40 million income tax return (ITR) filings for assessment year (AY) 2026-27 on 26 July, achieving the milestone in less than four months. More than 2 million returns were filed in the previous five days as taxpayers rushed to meet the 31 July deadline. The pace of filing has accelerated over the years. More than 73 million ITRs were filed in AY 2025-26, and tax officials expe...