NEW DELHI: The I-T department on Saturday said that 5.9 crore returns had been filed till July 31, the deadline for most individuals to make their annual filing.The number is lower than the over 7.3 crore returns that were filed by Sept 16, 2025, which was the extended deadline for filing last year. The numbers are likely to be lower as govt had announced major tax concessions during the last financial year, with income up to Rs 12 lakh.According to official data, including revised returns, 8.7 crore returns were filed by individuals in FY2024-25, with a little less than 8.1 crore return filers in the segment.“Your trust and timely compliance provide the energy that fuels India’s growth,” the Central Board of Direct Taxes said in a post on X. Those who have missed the deadline can still file returns till Dec but will have to shell out a penalty.Taxpayers who have business income and have to use ITR-3 can file returns up to Aug 31, while those using ITR-4 regime can file returns up to Oct 31.The I-T department’s numbers indicate returns were staggered over a period with no last-minute rush. Till late Friday morning, 5.5 crore returns had been filed with 42 lakh on Wednesday.