ITR Rush: 50 lakh Income Tax Returns filed in a day. Here's a checklist for the next 72 hours

With the tax filing deadline closing in fast, there is a massive rush on the Income Tax e-filing portal. Official data shows that nearly 50 lakh returns were filed on Friday, September 12, 2025. Approximately 72 hours remain before the end of ITR filing deadline. At this strike rate, it is not impossible to think that more than 1.5 crore returns will be filed between today and September 15, 2025.

If the above happens, then the total number of ITRs filed will easily cross the 7.28 crore returns filed till the July 31 deadline in 2024 by a good margin. Moreover, it will also mean that the Income Tax department will not have a good reason to extend the due date.

What should you do?

So, if you have been waiting for the due date extension, there is still enough time for you to complete the ITR filing process. If you plan to do that, here's a three-part checklist for the next 72 hours that will help:

Before you start filing your ITR

First, check which tax regime suits you, old or new.

Next, choose the correct ITR form. This part can get confusing, especially if you have income from different sources like salary, interest, or freelancing. Picking the correct form now can save you from trouble later.

If you’re not confident doing it on your own, don’t worry. You can still use online tax-filing platforms or reach out to a tax expert or your friendly CA. But don’t wait too long, the deadline is here.

Also, gather all your documents. Form 16, Form 26AS, AIS, bank statements, and proof of any tax-saving investments you made in FY 2024-25. Having these ready helps you avoid mistakes and keeps tax notices away.

What to do while filing your ITR

• Make sure your personal details like your name,

• PAN, and bank accounts are correct on the e-filing portal.

• Add all your bank accounts and mark the one where you want your refund. It’s important for getting any refund directly into the right account.

• Only claim deductions you can actually support with valid documents. Avoid guesswork.

• Be extra careful when reporting equity gains, long-term and short-term capital gains have different tax rates for transactions before and after July 23, 2024.

• Before submitting, double-check every detail. It’s easy to make small mistakes that cause big problems later.

• Don’t forget to verify your return after filing. Without verification, your return won’t be considered valid.

What to do after filing your ITR

• Once your return is filed and e-verified, the tax department takes over. If you are eligible for a refund, it usually doesn’t take long, so just be patient.

• The deadline is September 15. Get started today to avoid last-minute stress and stay in control this tax season.

The deadline is September 15, 2025. So, rush to file your returns now. Don't wait.