Which ITR Form Should You File This Year? | AY 2025–26 Guide

Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is an essential financial obligation for taxpayers in India. Wondering Which ITR Form Should You File This Year? Choosing the correct ITR form is crucial to ensure compliance with tax regulations and avoid penalties. For Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26, the Income Tax Department has categorized taxpayers into seven different ITR forms based on income sources, residency status, and other factors. Let’s explore which ITR form is right for you.

Understanding Which ITR Form Should You File This Year

Before deciding Which ITR Form Should You File This Year?, it’s important to understand the various forms available. The seven ITR forms for AY 2025-26 cater to different taxpayer categories:

• ITR-1 (Sahaj): For resident individuals with total income up to ₹50 lakhs from salary, one house property, and other sources like interest income. Agricultural income must not exceed ₹5,000.
• ITR-2: Suitable for individuals or Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) with income from multiple house properties, capital gains, foreign assets, or agricultural income exceeding ₹5,000. Total income can exceed ₹50 lakhs.
• ITR-3: For individuals and HUFs earning from business or profession, including partners in firms. This form includes all incomes applicable under ITR-2 plus business profits.
• ITR-4 (Sugam): Designed for small businesses and professionals under presumptive taxation schemes with total income up to ₹50 lakhs.
• ITR-5: Applicable to partnership firms, LLPs, societies, and trusts that do not fall under the individual or HUF category.
• ITR-6: Exclusively for companies that do not claim exemptions under Section 11.
• ITR-7: For entities like charitable trusts, political parties, and research institutions required to file returns under specific sections of the Income Tax Act.

How to Choose the Right ITR Form?

To determine Which ITR Form Should You File This Year?, consider the following factors:

• Income Sources: Identify whether your earnings come from salary, business or profession, capital gains, foreign assets, or agricultural activities.
• Residency Status: Resident individuals have different filing requirements compared to non-residents.
• Income Thresholds: Forms like ITR-1 are restricted to incomes below ₹50 lakhs.
• Special Cases: If you hold foreign assets or are a director in a company, you may need to file ITR-2 or higher forms.

👉 Follow this detailed table to understand which ITR form is applicable to whom based on income sources and taxpayer categories.

Deadlines for Filing ITR

For AY 2025-26:

• The deadline for individuals and non-audit cases is July 31, 2025.
• Businesses requiring audits have until October 15, 2025, while those with transfer pricing reports can file by November 30, 2025

Now that you have identified Which ITR Form Should You File This Year?, You can read our another blog to understand the process of filing an ITR.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right ITR form is essential for accurate and hassle-free tax filing. By understanding your income sources, residency status, and other key factors, you can ensure compliance with tax laws and avoid penalties. Filing your return correctly answers the crucial question of Which ITR Form Should You File This Year?—a step toward financial responsibility and peace of mind.

Need assistance in selecting the correct ITR form or filing your return for AY 2025–26? Chat with us now on WhatsApp and get expert guidance instantly! Alternatively, you can book our professional ITR filing services by visiting our website.