ITR form appropriate for AY 2025-26 based on income sources

ITR form is appropriate for them for AY 2025-26 based on their income sources &  taxpayer category.

Income Tax Return (ITR) form is appropriate for them for Assessment Year 2025-26 based on their income sources and taxpayer category.

ITR 1 (Sahaj)

For salaried individuals with simple income, ITR 1 is Eligible if individuals are a resident individual (not HUF or NRI), Total income ≤ ₹50 lakh, Income sources include Salary/pension, One house property (no carry forward), Other income (e.g., interest), Agricultural income ≤ ₹5,000

individuals Not eligible ITR 1 (Sahaj)  if: individuals is Director in a company, Invested in unlisted shares, Foreign income/assets, Capital gains (except exempt LTCG ≤ ₹1 lakh on shares/mutual funds)

ITR 2

For investors, NRIs, and those with capital gains or multiple properties. Eligible if You are an individual or HUF, Income includes Salary/pension, Multiple house properties, Capital gains, Foreign income/assets, Agricultural income > ₹5,000, NROR or NRI, Director in a company, Holding unlisted shares, Spouse’s income (clubbing)

Not eligible ITR 2 if Income from business or profession

ITR 3

For business owners, freelancers, and partners in firms, ITR 3 is Eligible if You are an individual or HUF with Business/professional income, Partner in firm (not LLP), Presumptive income (with losses or > ₹50 lakh)

Note: ITR 3 is applicable or  Required if ITR 1, 2, or 4 doesn’t apply and Use Form 10-IEA to opt out of new regime

ITR 4 (Sugam)

For small businesses and professionals under presumptive tax. ITR 4 (Sugam is Eligible if You are a resident individual, HUF, or firm (not LLP) and Total income ≤ ₹50 lakh.

Income under presumptive taxation applicable

• • Business under Section 44AD
  • Profession under Section 44ADA
  • Transport under Section 44AE

ITR 4 (Sugam) is not eligible if Director in company, Invested in unlisted shares, NROR/NRI, Income > ₹50 lakh, More than 1 house property, Brought forward losses

Freelancer Tip: Use ITR 4 if under presumptive taxation.

ITR 5

For LLPs, AOPs, BOIs, and co-operative societies. ITR 5 is eligible if taxpayer are a LLP, AOP/BOI, Society/trust/estate/firm (not individual/HUF),

ITR 5 is Not eligible if Individual or HUF, Company.

Information & Documents Required for ITR Filing : Pre-Filing Checklist

Preparation is key to filing your Income Tax Return smoothly and accurately. Before you begin, ensure you have the following documents and information readily available:

Personal Identification & Compliance

• PAN Card – Permanent Account Number (mandatory for filing).
• Aadhaar Card – Must be linked with PAN and required for e-verification.
• Mobile Number & Email ID – Registered with the Income Tax portal.
• Bank Account Details:
  • Account numbers and IFSC codes for all active accounts held during FY 2024-25.
  • Nominate one account for refund credit.

Income-Related Documents

• Form 16 – Issued by your employer; includes salary details and TDS deductions.
• Form 16A – For TDS on interest income (FDs, RDs, etc.).
• Form 16B – For TDS on sale of property.
• Form 16C – For TDS on rent (if you’re a landlord receiving rent from individuals).

Tax Credit & Transaction Summaries :

• Form 26AS – Your annual tax credit statement, available on the Income Tax Portal. Cross-check it with your TDS certificates.
• Annual Information Statement (AIS) – Includes interest income, share trades, dividend, mutual fund transactions, etc.
• Taxpayer Information Summary (TIS) – Summary of reported and derived values for tax filing.

Deduction & Exemption Proofs (Old Regime only) : If Taxpayer have opted for the Old Tax Regime, keep evidence for the following:

• Section 80C – LIC premiums, PPF, ELSS, NSC, 5-year FD, Home Loan Principal, Tuition Fees.
• Section 80D – Health insurance premiums.
• Section 80E – Interest on education loan.
• Section 80G – Donations to eligible charitable institutions.
• Section 24(b) – Home loan interest (under income from house property).
• NPS contributions – Section 80CCD(1B).

Other Income Details

• Interest Certificates – From banks and post offices (savings, FD, RD).
• Dividend Income – Statement from demat or mutual fund accounts.
• Rental Income – Rent agreements and rent received ledger.
• Agricultural Income – If applicable.

Capital Gains : If Taxpayer sold:

• Shares or Mutual Funds – Capital gain statement from broker/MF platforms.
• Real Estate/Property – Sale deed, purchase deed, cost of improvements, registration charges.
• Crypto or Digital Assets – Transaction ledger with INR values, date-wise.

Business or Professional Income (ITR-3 / ITR-4) :

Applicable for freelancers, professionals, and business owners:

• Profit and Loss Account
• Balance Sheet
• Bank Statements
• Books of Accounts (if applicable)
• Presumptive Income Details (if filing under Section 44AD, 44ADA, or 44AE)

Other Important Documents (if applicable)

• Foreign Income/Assets – For NRIs or residents with foreign holdings.
• Form 10E – For claiming relief under Section 89 (salary arrears).
• Form 10-IE / 10-IEA – For opting in/out of new tax regime.
• Advance Tax / Self-Assessment Tax Payment Receipts
• PAN of Tenants/Payers – If TDS has been deducted on rent or other income.

Important Tip: Use Form 10-IEA to opt out of new regime. Important Bottom Notes:

• Received ESOPs or RSUs of foreign company? Use ITR 2 or 3.
• LTCG over ₹1 lakh on shares? Use ITR 2 or 3.
• Capital gain from sale of mutual funds/stocks? Use ITR 2 or 3.
• Foreign assets or NROR/NRI? ITR 2 or 3 only.
• Freelancers: Use ITR 3 or ITR 4 (if presumptive).
• Switch between old and new tax regime with Form 10-IEA (for applicable forms).

File Smart, File Stress-Free Filing Taxpayer ITR for AY 2025–26 doesn’t have to be stressful. By Understanding your ITR form requirements, Systematically gathering the necessary documents, Following the step-by-step filing process, and  Leveraging the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal, Taxpayer can meet your tax obligations accurately and on time.

Pro Tips for a Hassle-Free Filing Experience by Review pre-filled information carefully for discrepancies, Cross-verify TDS and income details with Form 26AS, AIS, and TIS. Select the correct ITR form to avoid notices and rejections. Moreover, that Opt for the correct tax regime (Old vs. New) based on your deductions and income structure. Don’t forget to verify your return within 30 days post-submission to complete the filing process.

DON’T MISS THESE TAX FILING DEADLINES