Justdial reports massive surge in income tax-related searches on Income Tax Day
On the occasion of Income Tax Day, and with the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) extending the income tax return (ITR) filing deadline to September 15, 2025, India is witnessing a sharp surge in online searches for tax-related services. Insights from Justdial, India’s no.1 local search engine, reveal a significant uptick in demand across categories like tax consultants, chartered accountants, and return filing agents—reflecting rising awareness and a digital-first approach to financial compliance.
Between April–June 2025 (AMJ), searches for Tax Consultants doubled year-on-year (YoY) and rose 18% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) nationwide. Hyderabad (134% YoY), Pune (133%), and Mumbai (91%) emerged as the top growth drivers, likely influenced by the new tax exemption threshold of ₹12.75 lakh under the simplified regime announced in the 2025 Union Budget.
Simultaneously, searches for Tax Return Filing Agents rose 41% QoQ and 28% YoY, with sharp spikes in Mumbai (60%), Bangalore (57%), Delhi (50%), Pune (28%), and Chennai (35%), indicating high traction in last-mile tax compliance ahead of the revised filing deadline.
Demand for Chartered Accountants (CAs) grew 35% YoY and 11% QoQ pan-India. Cities like Delhi (50% YoY), Mumbai (48%), and Jaipur (49%) showed strong momentum as individuals and businesses sought expert counsel to navigate filing complexities and policy updates.
Searches for Income Tax Consultants climbed 39% QoQ, with metros like Hyderabad (+48%), Mumbai (+40%), Delhi (+34%), Bangalore (+24%), and Pune (+27%) leading the way. The spike reflects heightened interest in deductions, exemptions, and compliance assistance amid evolving provisions.
Notably, the NRI Income Tax Return category recorded impressive growth – with Pune showing a 2x YoY spike, followed by Mumbai (82% YoY), Delhi (77%), and Bangalore (3%). Increased scrutiny of foreign income disclosures and crypto asset reporting likely contributed to the upward trend in digital search intent from the global Indian community.
Meanwhile, interest in Property Tax Consultants doubled YoY and rose 40% QoQ, suggesting seasonal uptick in property transactions and financial reconciliations around Q1-end.
These behavioural shifts come amid broader tax reform signals, including the anticipated Income Tax Bill, 2025, which aims to streamline and modernise the current Income Tax Act. From deadline extensions and digital deductions to increased foreign reporting compliance, India’s taxpayers are actively seeking professional guidance to avoid last-minute errors and maximise their benefits.