Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Taxpayers With Business Income Must Choose Correct ITR Forms
People who earn money from a business or profession must choose the right income-tax return form.
For some taxpayers, the deadline for filing is 31 August for assessment year 2026-27.
ITR-3 is used when business or professional income does not fit the simpler return options.
ITR-4 is a simpler form for eligible taxpayers using special presumptive-tax rules.
ITR-4 generally applies when income is up to ₹50 lakh.
Form 16A shows tax deducted from payments other than salary.
Form 26AS and AIS show tax, transaction and other information reported to the tax department.
Taxpayers should compare these records with their own documents before filing.
Some taxpayers may also need special forms for international transactions or tax audits.
Non-audit taxpayers filing ITR-3 or ITR-4 for AY 2026-27 have a 31 August deadline.
ITR-3 applies to individuals and HUFs with business or professional income who do not qualify for simpler forms.
Eligible resident individuals, HUFs and non-LLP firms using presumptive taxation may file ITR-4, subject to a ₹50 lakh income limit.
Taxpayers should reconcile Form 16A, Form 26AS and AIS details with their own income and tax records.
Form 3CEB may apply to transfer-pricing cases, while Forms 3CB and 3CD are required for certain tax-audit cases.
- Who
- Individuals, Hindu Undivided Families, eligible resident taxpayers and certain firms earning business or professional income.
- What
- They must select the appropriate ITR form and review supporting tax records before filing.
- When
- The deadline for non-audit taxpayers filing ITR-3 or ITR-4 for AY 2026-27 is 31 August.
- Where
- The returns and related tax information are filed or checked through the income-tax system.
- Why
- Correct forms and reconciled records help taxpayers report income, tax deductions, payments and applicable transactions accurately.
- ITR-3
- For individuals and HUFs with business or professional income who do not qualify for ITR-1, ITR-2 or ITR-4.
- ITR-4
- A simplified return for eligible resident individuals, HUFs and firms other than LLPs using presumptive taxation.
- ITR-4 income limit
- The applicable income limit is ₹50 lakh.
- Form 16A
- A quarterly certificate showing TDS on income or payments other than salary.
- Form 26AS and AIS
- Records covering TDS, TCS, tax payments and other reported financial or transaction information.
- Form 3CEB
- Required from certain taxpayers covered by transfer-pricing rules for specified international or domestic transactions.
- Forms 3CB and 3CD
- Used for the audit report and statement of particulars in applicable tax-audit cases under section 44AB.