Which ITR Form Should I File? (AY 2026-27)
Choosing the wrong ITR form is one of the most common filing mistakes. Use this tool to identify the correct ITR form for AY 2026-27 (FY 2025-26) and see your applicable filing due date. Your answer to a few simple questions will walk you through the decision tree.
Note: your choice of old or new tax regime does NOT affect which ITR form you must file — only your income sources determine the form.
ITR Forms at a Glance — AY 2026-27
| Form | Who Files It | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| ITR-1 (Sahaj) | Resident individuals: salary/pension + 1 house + interest/dividend + LTCG 112A ≤ ₹1.25L + income ≤ ₹50L | 31 July 2026 |
| ITR-2 | Individuals/HUFs with NO business income but with capital gains, multiple houses, foreign assets, or income >₹50L | 31 July 2026 |
| ITR-3 | Individuals/HUFs with business/profession income NOT under presumptive scheme, or partners in a firm | 31 Aug 2026 (non-audit) / 31 Oct 2026 (audit) |
| ITR-4 (Sugam) | Individuals/HUFs/firms using presumptive scheme (44AD/44ADA), income ≤₹50L, ≤2 house properties | 31 Aug 2026 (non-audit) |
Key Changes for AY 2026-27
- ITR-4 now allows up to 2 house properties (previously only 1)
- ITR-1 allows LTCG under Section 112A up to ₹1,25,000 (Finance Act 2024 change continuing)
- Enhanced presumptive limits: ₹3 crore for 44AD and ₹75 lakh for 44ADA if cash receipts ≤5% of total
- Different due dates for ITR-1/2 vs ITR-3/4 (Finance Act 2026 made this split permanent)
Source: incometax.gov.in; CBDT Notification 45/2026; Finance Act 2023/2024/2026 amendments. Verified July 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my choice of old vs new tax regime affect which ITR form I file?
No. The tax regime (old or new) is selected within your ITR form, but it does not determine which form to use. Only your income sources and amounts determine the correct form.
I have salary income and also some freelancing income. Which form do I use?
If your freelancing income constitutes "income from business or profession," you likely need ITR-3 or ITR-4. If your gross receipts from freelancing are below ₹50 lakh (₹75L if cash ≤5%) and you use the Section 44ADA presumptive scheme, you can use ITR-4. Otherwise, use ITR-3. Salary income can be reported in ITR-3/ITR-4 alongside business income.
I have LTCG from selling shares. Which form do I use?
If your LTCG under Section 112A (equity/equity mutual funds) is ₹1,25,000 or below, you can still file ITR-1 if you otherwise qualify. If it exceeds ₹1,25,000, or you have any short-term capital gains (STCG), you must file ITR-2 (no business income) or ITR-3 (with business income).
What is the presumptive taxation scheme and should I use it?
Section 44AD (business) and 44ADA (specified professions) allow you to declare a fixed percentage of turnover/receipts as income without maintaining detailed books of account. Section 44AD: declare 8% of turnover as income (6% for digital receipts). Section 44ADA: declare 50% of gross receipts. If you use these schemes and meet the income/turnover limits, you file ITR-4. This significantly simplifies compliance but means you cannot claim actual expenses against the income.
The tool shows I need ITR-3 — is that more complex to file?
ITR-3 requires more detailed disclosures — balance sheet, profit & loss account, partner details if applicable, and tax audit report if your turnover exceeds the audit threshold. Most ITR-3 filers use a CA or an online tax filing platform like ClearTax, Tax2win, or the Income Tax portal's guided filing. The due date for non-audit ITR-3 cases is 31 August 2026.
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Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only. The correct ITR form depends on your complete income profile, which may include factors not captured here. Consult a Chartered Accountant or tax professional for personalised advice. Form applicability rules are based on CBDT Notification 45/2026 and Income Tax Act provisions verified as of July 2026.