Choosing the wrong ITR form is one of the most common filing mistakes in India. The Income Tax Department considers a return filed in the wrong form as defective - and sends a notice under Section 139(9) asking you to refile. Here is everything you need to know about each ITR form for FY 2025-26.
Quick Selection Guide
| ITR Form | Who Should File | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| ITR-1 (Sahaj) | Resident individuals: salary/pension, one house, income up to Rs 50 lakh | 31 July 2026 |
| ITR-2 | Individuals/HUF: capital gains, 2+ house properties, foreign assets, income >Rs 50 lakh | 31 July 2026 |
| ITR-3 | Individuals/HUF with business/profession income (including F&O traders) | 31 August 2026 |
| ITR-4 (Sugam) | Presumptive income u/s 44AD/44ADA/44AE; income up to Rs 50 lakh | 31 August 2026 |
| ITR-5 | Partnership firms, LLPs, AOP, BOI, cooperative societies | 31 August / October 2026 |
| ITR-6 | Companies (other than Section 11 exemption) | 31 October 2026 |
| ITR-7 | Trusts, political parties, exempt institutions | 31 October 2026 |
ITR-1 (Sahaj) - For Simple Salaried Cases
Use ITR-1 if ALL of the following apply:
- Resident individual (not NRI or RNOR)
- Income from salary, pension, or both
- Income from one house property only
- Income from other sources - excluding lottery/race horses
- LTCG under Section 112A up to Rs 1.25 lakh
- Total income does not exceed Rs 50 lakh
Do NOT use ITR-1 if you have business income, multiple house properties, capital gains beyond limits, foreign assets, or crypto income.
ITR-2 - For Investors and High-Income Individuals
Use ITR-2 if you have any of the following, and you are not running a business:
- Capital gains from stocks, mutual funds, property, or crypto (VDA)
- Income from more than one house property
- Foreign income or foreign assets (Schedule FA required)
- Total income exceeding Rs 50 lakh
- Directorship in a company or unlisted equity shares
ITR-3 - For Business Owners, F&O Traders, and Professionals
You must file ITR-3 if:
- You have income from any business or profession (including F&O trading)
- You are a partner in a firm receiving salary/interest/bonus
- You are a freelancer not opting for presumptive taxation
- Your turnover exceeds the limits for ITR-4
ITR-3 requires a balance sheet, P&L account, and detailed schedules. Tax audit may apply.
ITR-4 (Sugam) - For Presumptive Taxation
ITR-4 is for those opting for presumptive taxation under Section 44AD (business turnover up to Rs 3 crore), 44ADA (professional receipts up to Rs 75 lakh), or 44AE (goods carriage operators). Cannot be used if income exceeds Rs 50 lakh or you have foreign assets.
Common Scenarios - Which Form Do I File?
| Situation | Correct ITR Form |
|---|---|
| Salaried + FD interest + one house property | ITR-1 |
| Salaried + mutual fund capital gains | ITR-2 |
| Salaried + F&O trading (even one trade) | ITR-3 |
| Salaried + crypto (VDA) income | ITR-2 or ITR-3 |
| Freelancer under 44ADA (receipts up to Rs 75 lakh) | ITR-4 |
| Sole proprietor (not presumptive) | ITR-3 |
| Sole proprietor (presumptive, turnover < Rs 3 crore) | ITR-4 |
| NRI with Indian salary or property income | ITR-2 |
Can I Switch Forms Mid-Way?
Yes - if you chose the wrong form, you can revise your return using the correct form up to 31 March 2027. However, getting it right the first time avoids defective return notices that delay refunds.
Not Sure Which Form Applies to You?
Multiple income sources - salary, interest, rent, mutual funds, F&O, and crypto all in one year - can make form selection complex. Regikart's CA team assesses your income profile and files the correct form with the right schedules.
| Ready to File Your ITR for FY 2025-26? Let Regikart's expert CA team handle it - accurately, on time, and stress-free. File Your ITR with Regikart: https://regikart.com/income-tax-return-filing Call / WhatsApp: +91 945 945 6700 | Email: [email protected] |
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional tax advice. Tax laws may change. Please consult a qualified Chartered Accountant for advice specific to your situation.
About the author
Gaurav
Senior Advisor at Regikart. Want to discuss this in the context of your business?
