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Which ITR Form Should I File?

Quick form selector for AY 2026-27

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Which ITR Form Should I File?
Quick form selector for AY 2026-27
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Why

โš ๏ธ Disclaimer: This is a simplified guide based on AY 2026-27 rules and does not cover every edge case (foreign assets, multiple business income types, etc). Verify on the official e-filing portal or consult a tax professional before filing.

How this works

India's Income Tax Department has different ITR forms for different taxpayer situations โ€” filing the wrong form can get your return marked defective. This tool walks through the key questions the department itself uses to route individual/HUF taxpayers to the right form: ITR-1 for simple salaried situations, ITR-4 for small presumptive businesses, ITR-2 for capital gains and multiple properties without business income, and ITR-3 for anyone with regular business/professional income or income above the ITR-1/ITR-4 thresholds.

Answer each question and the recommended form updates instantly, along with a one-line reason. Companies, firms, LLPs and other non-individual entities file ITR-5, ITR-6 or ITR-7 depending on entity type โ€” this selector focuses on individual/HUF filing, which covers the vast majority of taxpayers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I file the wrong ITR form?

The tax department can mark your return as "defective" under Section 139(9) and ask you to refile with the correct form within a given window. It's not a penalty by itself, but it delays processing and refunds, so it's worth getting the form right the first time.

Can I use ITR-1 if I have capital gains?

Only very limited long-term capital gains (LTCG under Section 112A, up to โ‚น1.25 lakh, with no carried-forward or brought-forward losses) are allowed under ITR-1. Any other capital gains โ€” short-term, unlisted shares, property sale, etc. โ€” require ITR-2 or ITR-3.

What is presumptive taxation (44AD/44ADA/44AE)?

It's a simplified scheme where small businesses, professionals or transporters declare a fixed percentage of turnover as taxable profit instead of maintaining detailed books of account. Those opting for it typically file ITR-4 (Sugam), provided total income stays within โ‚น50 lakh.

Does this tool guarantee I've picked the right form?

No โ€” it's a simplified guide covering the most common scenarios. Edge cases like foreign assets/income, agricultural income above certain limits, multiple business types, or director/unlisted-shareholder status can change which form applies. When in doubt, verify on the e-filing portal or consult a tax professional.

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