Finance

Do I have to file, and which ITR form?

Answer a few questions about your income. You'll get a clear answer, the reasons behind it, and what to do next. Rules for FY 2025-26 income (AY 2026-27 returns).

1. Who is filing?
2. Where did you live during the year?

Not sure? If you were in India for 182 days or more, you're usually a resident.

3. Your age
4. Your total income for the year, before deductions
5. Where does your income come from?

Rent from property you own

Count your own home too, even if you live in it.

Business, freelancing or trading

Presumptive means you declare a fixed share of turnover as profit: 50% of receipts for professionals, or 6–8% of turnover for a business.

Selling shares, mutual funds or property

6. Do any of these apply?
7. During the year, did you…

Your answers stay in this page's address, so you can bookmark or share the result. We don't store them.

Frequently asked questions

Which ITR form should a salaried person file?
Most salaried residents with income up to ₹50 lakh file ITR-1 (Sahaj). It now allows up to two house properties and up to ₹1.25 lakh of long-term gains on listed shares or equity funds. Use ITR-2 if you have other capital gains, foreign assets, crypto, unlisted shares or a directorship, or income above ₹50 lakh.
Which ITR form should a freelancer file?
If you use presumptive taxation under section 44ADA (declaring at least 50% of receipts as profit, with receipts up to ₹50 lakh, or ₹75 lakh if cash receipts are 5% or less), file ITR-4. If you keep books and declare actual profit, file ITR-3.
Which ITR form is for F&O or intraday trading?
ITR-3. Futures and options and intraday trading are treated as business income, which ITR-1, ITR-2 and ITR-4 can't report.
Do I need to file a return if my income is below the taxable limit?
Not usually, but you must file if certain high-value transactions apply: for example, more than ₹1 crore deposited in current accounts, more than ₹2 lakh spent on foreign travel, more than ₹1 lakh on electricity, or TDS of ₹25,000 or more. You also need to file to claim a refund of tax deducted.
Can I file ITR-1 if I have crypto income?
No. Income from crypto and other virtual digital assets is reported in Schedule VDA, which is only in ITR-2 and ITR-3.