The number of women filing income-tax returns (ITRs) in India has seen a significant rise over the last five years, signaling increased economic empowerment. Between Assessment Year (AY) 2019-20 and AY 2023-24, women ITR filers grew by 25.3%, from 1.83 crore (18.31 million) to 2.29 crore (22.94 million).
Small states and union territories, particularly in the Northeast and border regions, witnessed notable growth. Mizoram recorded a 96% increase, with women filers rising to 2,090 in AY24. Jammu & Kashmir saw a 49.2% jump to 1,17,514 filers. Ladakh posted an exceptional 583% growth, albeit from a low base of 30 filers in AY20 to 205 in AY24.
Most north-eastern states reported robust double-digit growth:
- Nagaland: 44.28%
- Meghalaya: 39.49%
- Arunachal Pradesh: 36.41%
- Manipur: 33.17%
- Sikkim: 39%
- Tripura: 22.25% (slightly below the national average).
In absolute terms, Maharashtra led the country with 36.83 lakh (3.68 million) women filers in AY24, marking a 23% growth. Gujarat followed with 22.50 lakh (2.25 million) filers, a 24.4% increase, and Uttar Pradesh recorded a 29.2% growth to 20.43 lakh (2.04 million).
Other major states also saw significant increases:
- Tamil Nadu: 20% growth to 15.51 lakh (1.55 million).
- Karnataka: 20% growth to 14.30 lakh (1.43 million).
- Punjab: 36.23% growth to 13.22 lakh (1.32 million).
- Rajasthan: 25.49% growth to 13.52 lakh (1.35 million).
The total number of ITRs filed across the country, including individuals and corporates, reached 7.97 crore (79.71 million) in AY24, showcasing India’s expanding tax base.
Understanding Income-Tax Returns
An income-tax return (ITR) is a form used to report income earned and taxes paid during a financial year to the Income Tax Department, regulated by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).
This growth in women filers highlights their increasing participation in the formal economy, reflecting progress in financial literacy and empowerment across various regions of India.
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