ITR-1 (Sahaj)
ITR-1 is for individuals being a resident (other than not ordinarily resident) having total income up to ₹50 lakh, having income from Salaries, one house property, other sources (Interest etc.), and agricultural income up to ₹5,000.
Who Can File ITR-1?
- Resident individuals (not HUF or company)
- Income from Salary or Pension
- Income from One House Property
- Agricultural income up to ₹5,000
- Income from Other Sources like interest
Who Cannot File ITR-1?
- Non-residents or RNOR
- Individuals with income over ₹50 lakh
- Income from more than one house property
- Capital gains income
- Business or professional income
ITR‑2
ITR‑2 is for individuals and HUFs without business or profession income—covering salary, house property, capital gains, foreign assets, and other sources.
Who Can File ITR‑2?
- Individual or HUF (no business/profession income)
- Income from capital gains
- Multiple house properties
- Foreign assets or income
- Other sources (like lottery, dividends)
Who Cannot File ITR‑2?
- Those with business/profession income (use ITR‑3 or ITR‑4)
- Those eligible for ITR‑1 or ITR‑4
ITR‑3
ITR‑3 is for Individuals and HUFs earning income from a proprietary business or profession—along with salary, house property, capital gains, and other sources.
Who Can File ITR‑3?
- Proprietary business owners
- Professionals (doctors, lawyers, etc.)
- Income from house property
- Salary, capital gains, other income
- Partners in a firm receiving income
Who Cannot File ITR‑3?
- Individuals without business/profession income
- Those eligible for ITR‑1, ITR‑2, or ITR‑4 (Sugam)
ITR‑4 (Sugam)
ITR‑4 (Sugam) is the simplified return form under the presumptive taxation scheme (Sections 44AD, 44ADA, 44AE), for individuals/HUFs/firms with business or professional income up to ₹50 lakh.
Who Can File ITR‑4 (Sugam)?
- Individuals/HUFs/partnership firms under presumptive tax (Sec 44AD/44ADA/44AE)
- Business or professional income up to ₹50 lakh + salary/house/property/other sources
- Agricultural income up to ₹5,000
- Turnover limits: ₹2 crore for business, ₹75 lakh for professionals
Who Cannot File ITR‑4?
- Turnover exceeding eligibility limits
- Income from capital gains, foreign assets, or multiple house properties
- Non-residents, RNORs, company directors, auditors of accounts
- Agricultural income over ₹5,000
ITR‑4S (Sugam) – Obsolete Form
ITR‑4S was a simplified return form for taxpayers who opted for the presumptive taxation scheme under Section 44AD or 44AE. It was applicable for small businesses and professionals who didn't need to maintain books of accounts.
Since Assessment Year 2017-18, ITR‑4S has been merged into the current ITR‑4 (Sugam).
Historical Usage
- Individuals or HUFs with presumptive income under Section 44AD or 44AE
- No requirement to maintain books of accounts
- Not applicable from AY 2017–18 onwards
ITR‑5
ITR‑5 is for entities like firms, LLPs, AOPs, BOIs, cooperative societies, and local authorities (excluding companies), to report business or professional income, salary, property, capital gains, and other sources.
Who Can File ITR‑5?
- Firms (including LLPs)
- AOPs, BOIs, cooperative societies
- Local authorities (other than companies)
- Income from business, profession, house property, capital gains, and other sources
Key Points
- Includes detailed Balance Sheet (Part A‑BS) and Profit & Loss Account
- Separate schedules for business, property, capital gains, and other incomes
- Suitable for entities with turnover or receipts above presumptive limits
- Not intended for companies (they file ITR‑6)
Who Should Not File ITR‑5?
- Companies (use ITR‑6 instead)
- Individuals or HUFs (use ITR‑1 to ITR‑4)
- Entities eligible to file under Sections 139(4A) to 139(4D)
ITR‑6
ITR‑6 is applicable to companies other than those claiming exemption under section 11 of the Income Tax Act, 1961. These companies are required to file income tax returns electronically with digital signature.
Who Should File ITR‑6?
- All companies registered under Companies Act
- Companies not claiming exemption under Section 11
- Companies having income from business or profession
Who Should NOT File ITR‑6?
- Companies claiming exemption under Section 11 (charitable or religious trusts)
- Individuals, HUFs, Firms, LLPs, AOPs, BOIs (they use ITR‑1 to ITR‑5)
Key Features of ITR‑6
- Applicable for companies with taxable income
- Must be filed online with digital signature
- Includes reporting of P&L, balance sheet, and audit information
ITR‑7
ITR‑7 is used by entities—like trusts, charitable/religious organizations, political parties, research institutions, universities and other institutions—that are exempt under sections 139(4A), (4B), (4C) or (4D) of the Income‑tax Act. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Who Must File ITR‑7?
- Trusts or institutions under Sec 139(4A) – charitable/religious purposes
- Political parties under Sec 139(4B)
- Scientific/educational/research institutions under Sec 139(4C)
- Universities, colleges, khadi & village industries under Sec 139(4D)
Who Should Not File ITR‑7?
- Entities not claiming exemptions under sub‑sections (4A)–(4D)
- Other non-corporate entities (use ITR‑5)
- Companies or special sector entities (ITR‑6 or ITR‑7/ITR‑7 as applicable)