New Delhi, Nov. 27 -- India's income tax base is growing faster than the number of those conscientiously filing returns, driven by the expanding reach of the tax deducted at source (TDS) system, according to latest data from the central board of direct taxes (CBDT).

In assessment year 2024-25, covering income earned in FY23-24, the total taxpayer base jumped 17% year-on-year to 116.1 million, while the number of returns filed was at a low 8.08 million, up 5.9% y-o-y, CBDT data released earlier this week showed.

The trend is consistent over the past four years and the gap has widened, CBDT data showed. Total taxpayer base refers to both return filers and those with TDS deducted.







CBDT chairman Ravi Agrawal told the media on 17 Nove...