Women ITR Filers In India See 25% Growth Over Four Years, Maharashtra Leads

The number of women filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) in India increased by 25%, rising from 1.83 crore in the Assessment Year (AY) 2019-20 to 2.29 crore in AY 2023-24, according to data from the Ministry of Finance analyzed by News18. The assessment year spans April 1 to March 31, immediately following the financial year.

Maharashtra Tops With Largest Increase

Maharashtra reported the highest growth in women ITR filers, adding 6.88 lakh filers, an increase from 29.94 lakh in AY 2019-20 to 36.83 lakh in AY 2023-24. Although the state registered a 23% rise, it fell slightly below the national average.

Uttar Pradesh And Gujarat Follow

Uttar Pradesh recorded the second-highest increase, adding 4.62 lakh women filers, marking a 29% rise from 15.81 lakh to 20.43 lakh during the same period. Gujarat followed closely, adding 4.41 lakh women filers, reflecting a 24% increase from 18.08 lakh to 22.50 lakh.

Top And Bottom Performers

In AY 2023-24, Maharashtra had the highest number of women ITR filers (36.83 lakh), followed by Gujarat (22.50 lakh) and Uttar Pradesh (20.43 lakh). At the other end of the spectrum, Ladakh (205), Lakshadweep (1,125), and Mizoram (2,090) reported the lowest numbers.

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The rankings have remained consistent since AY 2019-20 when Maharashtra (29.94 lakh), Gujarat (18.08 lakh), and Uttar Pradesh (15.81 lakh) led, while Ladakh (30), Mizoram (1,068), and Lakshadweep (1,108) trailed.

Ladakh Records Highest Percentage Growth

Ladakh witnessed the most significant percentage increase, with women filers rising almost sevenfold from 30 in AY 2019-20 to 205 in AY 2023-24. Mizoram also saw the number of women filers double during this period, from 1,068 to 2,090.

Chandigarh Reports Decline In Women Filers

Chandigarh was the only region to record a decline, with the number of women filers dropping from 89,873 in AY 2019-20 to 88,115 in AY 2023-24.

Expanding Tax Base Reflects Improved Compliance

The steady increase in women ITR filers indicates a broadening tax base and enhanced compliance with tax regulations. Filing ITR is mandatory for individuals whose income exceeds the maximum exemption limit, even before exemptions and deductions are considered.

What is ITR?

The ITR form communicates an individual’s income details and taxes paid to the Income Tax Department. It also facilitates loss carry-forward and tax refund claims. The rising participation of women in filing returns highlights growing financial inclusion and awareness across the country.