{"id":11,"date":"2026-07-18T14:57:48","date_gmt":"2026-07-18T09:27:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.taxaj.com/learn\/?p=11"},"modified":"2026-07-18T14:57:49","modified_gmt":"2026-07-18T09:27:49","slug":"which-itr-form-should-you-file-for-ay-2026-27-a-simple-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.taxaj.com/learn\/which-itr-form-should-you-file-for-ay-2026-27-a-simple-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Which ITR Form Should You File for AY 2026-27? A Simple Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Every year, one question trips up lakhs of taxpayers before they even begin filing: “Which ITR form do I actually need?”<\/strong> Pick the wrong one and your return can be treated as defective, delaying your refund and inviting notices. This guide explains, in plain language, which Income Tax Return (ITR) form applies to you for Assessment Year 2026-27 (Financial Year 2025-26)<\/strong> \u2014 the year you are filing for now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The quick answer: ITR forms at a glance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Form<\/th>Who it is for<\/th>Income limit<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
ITR-1 (Sahaj)<\/strong><\/td>Resident salaried\/pension individuals, one house property, other sources<\/td>Up to ₹50 lakh<\/td><\/tr>
ITR-2<\/strong><\/td>Individuals\/HUFs with capital gains, more than one house property, foreign income\/assets \u2014 but no business income<\/td>No limit<\/td><\/tr>
ITR-3<\/strong><\/td>Individuals\/HUFs with business or professional income (including F&O traders)<\/td>No limit<\/td><\/tr>
ITR-4 (Sugam)<\/strong><\/td>Residents under presumptive taxation (44AD\/44ADA\/44AE)<\/td>Up to ₹50 lakh<\/td><\/tr>
ITR-5\/6\/7<\/strong><\/td>Firms & LLPs \/ Companies \/ Trusts & NGOs<\/td>—<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ITR-1 (Sahaj): for most salaried individuals<\/h2>\n\n\n

ITR-1 is the simplest form and fits the majority of salaried taxpayers. You can file ITR-1 if you are a resident individual<\/strong> with total income up to ₹50 lakh<\/strong>, earning from salary or pension, one house property, and other sources such as interest. Agricultural income up to ₹5,000 is allowed, and this year you may also report long-term capital gains under Section 112A up to ₹1.25 lakh<\/strong> (from listed equity shares and equity mutual funds) within ITR-1.<\/p>\n\n\n

You cannot use ITR-1 if<\/strong> your income exceeds ₹50 lakh, you own more than one house property, you have business or professional income, capital losses to carry forward, foreign assets or income, unlisted shares, or you are a company director.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ITR-2: for capital gains and multiple properties<\/h2>\n\n\n

Choose ITR-2 if you are an individual or HUF who does not have business or professional income<\/strong> but has any of the following: capital gains of any amount (shares, mutual funds or property), income from more than one house property, foreign income or foreign assets, unlisted shares or ESOPs, or agricultural income above ₹5,000. Non-residents and RNOR taxpayers also use ITR-2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ITR-3: for business and professional income<\/h2>\n\n\n

ITR-3 is for individuals and HUFs earning from a proprietary business or profession<\/strong> \u2014 including freelancers who maintain books, and traders with futures & options (F&O) income. It also covers partners in a firm. You can combine salary, house property and capital gains in ITR-3 alongside your business income. Companies and partnership firms do not use this form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ITR-4 (Sugam): for presumptive taxation<\/h2>\n\n\n

ITR-4 suits resident individuals, HUFs and firms (except LLPs) who opt for the presumptive taxation schemes under Sections 44AD, 44ADA or 44AE<\/strong> \u2014 a simplified way for small businesses and professionals to declare income as a fixed percentage of turnover. Total income must be up to ₹50 lakh. You cannot use ITR-4 if you have foreign assets or income, more than the permitted house property, or are a company director.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key due dates for AY 2026-27<\/h2>\n\n\n