Which ITR Should I File? Types of ITR Forms for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26)

By Ektha Surana

|

Updated on: Jul 16th, 2025

|

5 min read

ITR stands for Income Tax Return. Every taxpayer should furnish the income earned during the year through ITR forms applicable to him. Depending on the type and amount of income earned, different ITR forms become applicable for him. Broadly, the applicable ITR forms can be perceived as follows: 

ITR-1 is for salaried individuals within Rs. 50 lakhs, ITR-2 for Capital Gains, ITR-3 for business income, ITR-4 for small business and professions, ITR-5 for firms, LLPs, AOPs, BOIs, ITR-6 for companies, and ITR-7 is for charitable trusts. 

This article provides an in-depth understanding of the definition of ITR and the types of ITR forms. 

The Income Tax Department has now released the Excel based utility for ITR 2 and ITR 3 for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26). Taxpayers who have capital gains business income can now proceed to file their returns for income earned between 01st April, 2024 to 31st March, 2025.

ITR 2 and ITR 3 Excel Based Utility download

What is ITR?

  • Income Tax Return (ITR) is a form in which the taxpayers file information about their income earned and tax applicable, to the income tax department.
  • The department has notified 7 forms i.e. ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-3, ITR-4, ITR-5, ITR-6 & ITR-7 to date. Every taxpayer should file his ITR on or before the specified due date
  • The applicability of ITR forms varies depending on the sources of income of the taxpayer, the amount of the income earned, and the category of the taxpayer like individuals, HUF, company, etc.

ITR FORMS 2025-26

What are the Different ITR Forms?

The following table comprehensively explains which ITR form should be filed for different types of income earned by the assessee.

ITR FormApplicable toSalaryHouse PropertyBusiness IncomeCapital GainsOther SourcesExempt IncomeLottery IncomeForeign Assets/Foreign IncomeCarry Forward Loss
ITR-1 / SahajIndividual, HUF (Residents)YesYes(One House Property)NoNoYesYes (Agricultural Income less than Rs 5,000)NoNoNo
ITR-2Individual, HUFYesYesNoYesYesYesYesYesYes
ITR-3Individual or HUF, partner in a FirmYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
ITR-4 / SugamIndividual, HUF, FirmYesYes(One House Property)Presumptive Business IncomeNoYesYes (Agricultural Income less than Rs 5,000)NoNoNo
ITR-5Partnership Firm/ LLPNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
ITR-6CompanyNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
ITR-7TrustNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes

Applicability of different kinds of ITR forms are explained elaborately below.

ITR-1 or SAHAJ

Form ITR-1 is for a resident individual whose total income for the AY 2025-26 includes:

  • Total income not exceeding Rs. 50 lakh
  • Income from Salary/ Pension; or
  • Income from One House Property (excluding cases where loss is brought forward from previous years); or
  • Income from Other Sources (excluding Winning from Lottery and Income from Race Horses)
  • Long-term capital gains income u/s 112A up to Rs. 1.25 lakhs (having no brought-forward or carry-forward capital loss)
  • Agricultural income up to Rs 5,000.

Who Cannot use ITR-1 Form?

  • Total income exceeding Rs 50 lakh
  • Agricultural income exceeding Rs 5000
  • If you have taxable capital gains
  • If you have income from business or profession
  • Having income from more than one house property
  • If you are a Director in a company
  • If you have investments in unlisted equity shares at any time during the financial year
  • Owning assets (including financial interest in any entity) outside India, including signing authority in any account located outside India
  • If you are a Resident-not-Ordinarily Resident (RNOR) and Non-Resident
  • Having any foreign income
  • If tax has been deducted under Section 194N
  • If in case payment or deduction of tax has been deferred on ESOP
  • If you have any brought forward loss or loss needs to be carried forward under any income head

ITR-2

ITR-2 is for the use of an individual or a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) whose total income for the AY 2025-26 includes:

  • Income from Salary/Pension
  • Income from House Property
  • Income from Other Sources (including Winnings from Lottery and Income from Horse Races)
  • If you are an Individual Director in a company
  • If you have had investments in unlisted equity shares at any time during the financial year
  • Being a Resident-not-Ordinarily Resident (RNOR) and Non-Resident
  • Income from Capital Gains
  • Having any foreign income
  • Agricultural income more than Rs 5,000
  • Owning assets (including financial interest in any entity) outside India, including signing authority in any account located outside India
  • If tax has been deducted under Section 194N
  • If in case payment or deduction of tax has been deferred on ESOP
  • If you have any brought forward loss or loss needs to be carried forward under any income head

Further, in a case where the income of another person like one’s spouse, child etc. is to be clubbed with the income of the assessee, this Return Form can be used where such income falls in any of the above categories.

The total income can be more than Rs 50 Lakhs.

Who Cannot use ITR-2?

Tax payers with Income from Business or Profession cannot file ITR-2. 

ITR-3

The current ITR-3 Form is to be used by an individual or a Hindu Undivided Family who has income from a proprietary business or is carrying on a profession. The persons having income from the following sources are eligible to file ITR-3:

  • Carrying on a business or profession not opting for presumptive income
  • Carrying on a business or profession, and is required to maintain books of accounts and/or required to get them audited.
  • If you have had investments in unlisted equity shares at any time during the financial year
  • The return may include income from House property, Salary/Pension, and Income from other sources
  • Income of a person as a partner in the firm

In short, individuals or HUFs who are not eligible to file ITR-1, ITR-2, and ITR-4, should file ITR-3

ITR 4 or Sugam

The current ITR-4 applies to individuals and HUFs, Partnership firms (other than LLPs), which are residents and whose total income includes:

  • Total income not exceeding Rs. 50 lakh
  • Business income according to the presumptive income scheme under section 44AD or 44AE
  • Professional income according to presumptive income scheme under section 44ADA
  • Income from salary or pension 
  • Income from one house property (excluding the amount of brought forward loss or loss to be carried forward)
  • Income from other sources (excluding income from lottery and race-horses )
  • Long-term capital gains income u/s 112A up to Rs. 1.25 lakhs (having no brought-forward or carry-forward capital loss)

Please note that any individual earning income from the above-mentioned sources as a freelancer can also opt for the presumptive taxation scheme if their gross receipts are not more than Rs. 50 lakhs.

A presumptive income scheme under sections 44AD, 44AE, and 44ADA is when an individual or an entity opts to derive its income on a presumptive basis, i.e. when the income is presumed at a minimum rate based on a percentage of gross receipts / gross turnover or based on ownership of commercial vehicles. However, if the business turnover exceeds Rs 2 crore, the taxpayer will have to file ITR-3.

Who Cannot Use ITR-4 Form?

  • If your total income exceeds Rs 50 lakh
  • Having income from more than one house property
  • Owning any foreign asset
  • If you have signing authority in any account located outside India
  • Having income from any source outside India
  • If you are a Director in a company
  • If you have had investments in unlisted equity shares at any time during the financial year
  • Being a resident not ordinarily resident (RNOR) and non-resident
  • Having foreign income or assets
  • If you are assessable in respect of the income of another person in respect of which tax is deducted in the hands of the other person.
  • If in case payment or deduction of tax has been deferred on ESOP
  • If you have any brought forward loss or loss needs to be carried forward under any income head

ITR-5

ITR-5 is for firms, LLPs (Limited Liability Partnership), AOPs (Association of Persons), BOIs (Body of Individuals), Artificial Juridical Persons (AJP), Estate of deceased, Estate of insolvent, Business trust and investment fund.

ITR-6

For Companies other than companies claiming exemption under Section 11 (Income from property held for charitable or religious purposes), ITR-6 has to be filed electronically only.

ITR-7

Form ITR-7 is for persons including companies required to furnish returns under section 139(4A) or section 139(4B) or section 139(4C) or section 139(4D) or section 139(4E) or section 139(4F).

  • Return under section 139(4A) is required to be filed by every person in receipt of income derived from property held under trust or other legal obligation wholly for charitable or religious purposes or in part only for such purposes.
  • Return under section 139(4B) is required to be filed by a political party if the total income without giving effect to the provisions of section 139A exceeds the maximum amount, not chargeable to income-tax.
  • Return under section 139(4C) is required to be filed by every –
    • Scientific research association;
    • News agency;
    • Association or institution referred to in section 10(23A);
    • Institution referred to in section 10(23B);
    • Fund or institution or university or other educational institution or any hospital or other medical institution.
  • Return under section 139(4D) is required to be filed by every university, college or other institution, which is not required to furnish a return of income or loss under any other provision of this section.
  • Return under section 139(4E) must be filed by every business trust which is not required to furnish a return of income or loss under any other provisions of this section.
  • Return under section 139(4F) must be filed by any investment fund referred to in section 115UB. It is not required to furnish a return of income or loss under any other provisions of this section.

Which ITR Form to File?

The below table offers a details about which ITR form to file and the eligibility for such ITR forms:

ITR FormWho Can FileWho Cannot File
ITR-1 (Sahaj)Resident individuals with income up to ₹50 L from: salary/pension, one house property, other sources (interest, etc.), and agricultural income ≤ ₹5,000; now includes LTCG up to ₹1.25 L from equity/fund holdingsNRIs, residents with >₹50 L income, multiple properties, capital losses carry‑forward, business income, foreign assets, company directors, ESOP holders
ITR-2Individuals/HUFs (including NRIs/RNORs) with salary/pension + capital gains (any amount), multiple house property income, foreign income/assets, agricultural income > ₹5,000, unlisted shares, ESOPs, company directorsIndividuals with business/professional income
ITR-3Individuals/HUFs with income from a proprietary business or profession, partners in firms (not LLPs), F&O trading, unlisted shares, plus salary, house property, capital gainsThose without business/professional income
ITR-4 (Sugam)Resident individuals/HUFs/firms (excluding LLPs) opting for presumptive taxation under sections 44AD/44ADA/44AE, with income ≤ ₹50 L; includes salary, one house, equity LTCG ≤ ₹1.25 LCompany directors, unlisted shares holders, turnover > ₹2 Cr, foreign assets, multiple properties, capital‑loss carry‑forward
ITR-5Firms, LLPs, AOPs, BOIs, local authorities, cooperative societies, estates, business trusts – all non-individual entities (excluding those required to file ITR‑7)Individual or HUF taxpayers, companies
ITR-6  Companies (other than those claiming exemption under section 11)Trusts or institutions under section 11
ITR-7Trusts, political parties, scientific/research institutions, universities, hospitals, NGOs, other institutions required under sections 139(4A)/(4B)/(4C)/(4D)/(4E)/(4F)Individuals, HUFs, firms, and companies not covered above

Income Tax Form FY 2024-25 PDF Download: How To Download ITR 1, ITR 2, ITR 3, ITR 4, ITR 5, ITR 6 and ITR 7 Forms 

ITR FormsLinks
ITR-1Click here to download ITR-1 Form
ITR-2Click here to download ITR-2 Form
ITR-3Click here to download ITR-3 Form
ITR-4Click here to download ITR-4 Form
ITR-5Click here to download ITR-5 Form
ITR-6Click here to download ITR-6 Form
ITR-7Click here to download ITR 7 Form

Why Should You File ITR?

Not filing an ITR has its consequences. However, ITR filing is more beneficial rather than a burden. The following the are benefits of filing an ITR: 

  • If you want to claim an income tax refund from the department.
  • If you have earned from or have invested in foreign assets during the FY.
  • If you wish to apply for a visa or a loan
  • If the taxpayer is a company or a firm, irrespective of profit or loss.
  • If you have a loss from business/profession or under capital gains head, you will not be allowed to carry them forward to the next years unless you file the return before the due date.

Related Income Tax Articles

Frequently Asked Questions

If I have incurred a loss during the Financial Year 2024-25, will I need to file the IT return?

You need not file a return in case of loss from income during a financial year if you are an individual. But it is highly beneficial to file the loss return to carry forward the losses to the future, which will reduce future tax liability. 

Who is eligible to opt for a presumptive taxation scheme for filing ITR-4?

The presumptive taxation scheme is designed to give relief to small taxpayers from the burden of maintaining books of accounts with a turnover not exceeding Rs.2 crore (Rs.3 crore in special cases). Under this scheme, the taxable income is calculated at a prescribed rate on the total turnover.

What documents do I need to file ITR-1?

You do not have to attach any document while filing under ITR-1. However, it is advisable to download AIS, form 26AS, and Form 16, house rent receipt (if applicable), investment payment, premium receipts (if applicable) to fill the ITR correctly by matching all the details and also to serve as proofs in case of scrutiny, assessment or inquiry.  

Which ITR should I file if i have capital gains ?

You can file ITR-2, if you earn capital gains income.

What difference does ITR 1 and ITR 2 have?

ITR 1 is filed for individuals who earn income under the head Salaries, and if your total income is below Rs. 50 Lakhs. You can file ITR 2 if you have capital gains, more than one house property, or your income has exceeded Rs.50 Lakhs .

Which ITR form to file for salaried emloyees?

ITR Form applicable to a taxpayer depends on the type of taxpayer, total income, nature and the type of income. Here are the various ITR Forms applicable to salaried employees - 

ITR-1: If the individual has total annual income is less that Rs.50 Lakhs and is deriving income from only one house property, ITR-1 can be filed.

ITR-2: If the individual derives income from more than one house property or has capital gains income or his income exceeds Rs.50 Lakhs, ITR -2 can be filed.

ITR-3: In addition to salary income, if the individual earns income from business or profession, ITR-3 can be filed.

ITR-4: Individuals who are drawing a salary as well as earning additional income from freelancing activities or part-time business also can file ITR-4 Form. 

What are the types of income that shall not form part of ITR 1 form?

Business income, short term capital gains, long-term capital gains (other than section 112A capital gains up to Rs. 1.25 lakhs), income from more than one house property, casual income like lottery income and online gaming income cannot be reported under ITR-1

Is it mandatory to define the nature of employment while filing of return?

Yes, taxpayers should report whether he is a government employee, or private employee or a pensioner.

How do I know which ITR I need to file?

Depending on the person's residential status, amount of income and nature of income, the most appropriate form differs from person to person.

Whether all deductions will be available to claim while filing ITR-1 return?

All the eligible deductions available for individuals earning salary, house property and miscellaneous income can be claimed in form ITR-1.

I am a joint owner of a house with my spouse. We do not have any additional property. Can I file ITR-1 in AY 2025-26 for rental income from such house?

Yes, you can file under ITR-1 if you are co-owner of a house property, provided that is the only house property you get income from.

Is there any change in house property schedule for ITR -1 ?

A new schedule is added - 24(b) - Interest on borrowed capital in form ITR-1. Particulars like, name of the bank, loan account number, date of sanction of the loan, total amount of loan, amount of interest due for the relevant financial year and loan outstanding balance needs to be disclosed for the current financial year.

Can I file ITR for last 4 assessment years now?

Yes, you can file last 4 assessment years ITR using ITR-U. For the current year, you can file using normal ITR forms 1-7.

What are the additional deductions related to Chapter VI-A deductions required in ITR-1 for AY 2025-26?

Particulars like nature of ailment and and PAN of dependent is required for dependent disability. Policy number is now required to claim deduction on section 80C. For NPS investment deduction under section 80CCD, Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) should be additionally disclosed.

Which ITR is for Non-Residents?

Since non - residents cannot file ITR-1 and ITR-4, they can file their returns using ITR-2 or ITR-3 depending on their income.

About the Author
author-img

Ektha Surana

Content Marketer
social icons

Multitasking between pouring myself coffees and poring over the ever-changing tax laws. Here, I've authored 100+ blogs on income tax and simplified complex income tax topics like the intimidating crypto tax rules, old vs new tax regime debate, changes in debt funds taxation, budget analysis and more. Some combinations I like- tax and content, finance & startups, technology & psychology, fitness & neuroscience. Read more

Clear offers taxation & financial solutions to individuals, businesses, organizations & chartered accountants in India. Clear serves 1.5+ Million happy customers, 20000+ CAs & tax experts & 10000+ businesses across India.

Efiling Income Tax Returns(ITR) is made easy with Clear platform. Just upload your form 16, claim your deductions and get your acknowledgment number online. You can efile income tax return on your income from salary, house property, capital gains, business & profession and income from other sources. Further you can also file TDS returns, generate Form-16, use our Tax Calculator software, claim HRA, check refund status and generate rent receipts for Income Tax Filing.

CAs, experts and businesses can get GST ready with Clear GST software & certification course. Our GST Software helps CAs, tax experts & business to manage returns & invoices in an easy manner. Our Goods & Services Tax course includes tutorial videos, guides and expert assistance to help you in mastering Goods and Services Tax. Clear can also help you in getting your business registered for Goods & Services Tax Law.

Save taxes with Clear by investing in tax saving mutual funds (ELSS) online. Our experts suggest the best funds and you can get high returns by investing directly or through SIP. Download Black by ClearTax App to file returns from your mobile phone.

Cleartax is a product by Defmacro Software Pvt. Ltd.

Privacy PolicyTerms of use

ISO

ISO 27001

Data Center

SSL

SSL Certified Site

128-bit encryption