By March 31, 2025, India recorded 9.19 crore income tax return filings for FY 2024-25 — a consistent rise from previous years. Of these, 8.64 crore returns were successfully e-verified, and refunds of over ₹4.35 lakh crore have already been issued, as per the Income Tax Department portal.
This reflects a broader shift in taxpayer behavior, driven by rising incomes, easier digital filing, and compliance-linked financial access.
📈 Year-on-Year ITR Growth
| Financial Year | ITRs Filed | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| FY 2022-23 | 7.78 crore | — |
| FY 2023-24 | 8.52 crore | +7% |
| FY 2024-25 | 9.19 crore | +8% |
Key takeaway: Consistent yearly growth points to expanding tax net and stronger digital adoption.
🧾 State-Wise Income Tax Filing Snapshot
| State | Returns Filed (in lakh) |
|---|---|
| Maharashtra | 139.00 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 91.38 |
| Gujarat | 88.58 |
| Rajasthan | 59.77 |
| Tamil Nadu | 57.27 |
| Karnataka | 53.62 |
| Delhi | 44.66 |
| Punjab | 44.26 |
Maharashtra leads, but Gujarat’s numbers show strong compliance relative to population.
💼 Income-Wise Breakdown of ITRs Filed
| Annual Income Range | Returns Filed |
|---|---|
| Below ₹5 lakh | 4.19 crore |
| ₹5–10 lakh | 3.4 crore |
| ₹10–50 lakh | 1.34 crore |
| ₹1–5 crore | 2.97 lakh |
| ₹5–10 crore | 16,797 |
| Above ₹10 crore | 10,184 |
Majority of India’s tax base still earns below ₹10 lakh annually, though HNI disclosures are rising.
🔍 Why Are ITR Filings Increasing?
According to tax professionals, several factors are driving this uptrend:
- Income growth across sectors, especially urban and service economies
- Digital filing simplification via Income Tax Portal and Aadhaar-PAN linkage
- Loan processing norms requiring ITRs for 3 years
- Rising retail investor base in mutual funds and stock markets
- Data integration with banks, TDS portals, and GSTN forcing formalisation
Income tax filing in India hit 9.19 crore in FY 2024-25, up 8% from last year. Maharashtra, Gujarat, and UP lead in return filings.
❓FAQs
Q1. What’s the deadline for ITR filing for FY 2024-25?
👉 July 31, 2025 (unless extended by CBDT)
Q2. Can I still claim refund after deadline?
👉 Yes, but only if you file a belated return by December 31, 2025 (with late fees).
Q3. Who should file ITR even if not taxable?
👉 Those applying for loans, visas, or tenders should file voluntarily for income proof.
📝 Final Note from Efiletax
India’s tax base is expanding — and staying compliant gives you more than refunds. It gives you access.
If you need help filing, e-verifying, or tracking your refund status — Efiletax is here to simplify it all