Filing season · FY 2025-26 returns
Which ITR form is yours?
Two questions is usually all it takes. The chooser applies the FY 2025-26 rules; the return you file in 2026 still runs on the 1961 Act.
Salary income up to ₹50L with one house property fits ITR-1 (Sahaj).
What each ITR form covers
| Form | Made for | Rules it out |
|---|---|---|
| ITR-1 (Sahaj) | Residents with salary or pension up to ₹50L, one house property, other sources (interest) | Capital gains, business income, more than one house, non-residents |
| ITR-2 | Salary of any size, capital gains, multiple house properties, foreign assets, NRIs | Any business or professional income |
| ITR-3 | Business or professional income with books, including F&O traders | Nothing, if you keep books |
| ITR-4 (Sugam) | Presumptive income (44AD/44ADA successors) up to ₹50L, residents | Capital gains beyond exempt LTCG limits, foreign assets, company directors |
ITR-5 to ITR-7 cover firms, companies and trusts, which sit outside this chooser's scope. Deadlines live on the compliance calendar.
Questions people ask
Which ITR form for salary and some capital gains?
ITR-2. Any capital gains (even a single equity sale) pushes you out of ITR-1, whatever your income level.
Which ITR form do F&O traders file?
ITR-3. Futures and options profits are business income, so you file with books of account or presumptive workings, never ITR-1 or ITR-2.
Can a freelancer use ITR-4?
Yes, if you opt for presumptive taxation under the 44ADA successor and your gross receipts are within the limit. Above ₹50L of total income, move to ITR-3.
What happens if I file the wrong form?
The return can be treated as defective under the Section 139(9) machinery. You'll get a notice with a window to refile. It's fixable, but better avoided.