Types of ITR Forms: Which One Should You File?
There are seven income tax return forms, and using the wrong one can make your return defective. Here's what each form — ITR-1 through ITR-7 — is for, what's new for AY 2026-27, and a quick way to find yours.
Unsure which form? Ask a CAThere are seven types of ITR forms. ITR-1 and ITR-4 are for simple individual and presumptive cases; ITR-2 and ITR-3 for individuals with capital gains or business income; ITR-5 for firms and LLPs; ITR-6 for companies; and ITR-7 for trusts and similar entities. The right form depends on who you are and how you earn.
The ITR forms at a glance
Individuals usually file one of ITR-1 to ITR-4. Businesses and other entities use ITR-5, ITR-6 or ITR-7.
Resident individuals (ROR) with income up to ₹50 lakh from salary or pension, up to two house properties and interest. Small LTCG up to ₹1.25 lakh allowed.
Individuals and HUFs with capital gains, more than two house properties, foreign income or assets, income above ₹50 lakh, or a directorship — but no business income.
Individuals and HUFs who have income from business or profession, along with any other income.
Resident individuals, HUFs and firms (other than LLP) under presumptive taxation (44AD / 44ADA / 44AE) with income up to ₹50 lakh.
Firms, LLPs, AOPs, BOIs and similar entities — not individuals or companies.
Companies — Private Limited, Public and OPC — other than those claiming exemption under Section 11.
Trusts, political parties, research institutions and Section 8 companies filing under Sections 139(4A) to 139(4D).
Which ITR form should you file?
Match your situation to the form. Not sure where you fit, or sit across two rows? That's exactly when a CA saves you from a defective return.
What's new in the AY 2026-27 forms
The CBDT notified the AY 2026-27 ITR forms with a few helpful changes — worth knowing before you pick yours.
Two house properties in ITR-1 / ITR-4
You can now report income from up to two house properties in the simpler forms — no need to move to ITR-2 for a second property.
Small capital gains allowed in ITR-1 / ITR-4
Long-term capital gains under Section 112A up to ₹1.25 lakh can be reported in ITR-1 / ITR-4, if you have no losses to carry forward.
No more 23 July 2024 date split
Capital-gains reporting is simpler — the transitional split of gains before and after 23 July 2024 has been removed.
Deductions via dropdown
Deductions under Sections 80C to 80U are now picked from a dropdown with the exact clause, improving accuracy.
Aadhaar number mandatory
The Aadhaar Enrolment ID is no longer accepted — you must quote your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
Filed under the Income-tax Act, 1961
The new Income-tax Act, 2025 does not apply to AY 2026-27 — these returns follow the 1961 Act.
The wrong form makes your return defective
File in the wrong ITR and the department can treat your return as defective under Section 139(9) — meaning you have to fix and refile, often after the deadline, with penalty and interest in play. Borderline cases — a second house, some capital gains, mixed income — are where most people slip.
Let a CA pick the right form & file →Types of ITR forms — FAQs
How many types of ITR forms are there?
Seven — ITR-1 to ITR-7. ITR-1 to ITR-4 are mainly for individuals and HUFs, while ITR-5, ITR-6 and ITR-7 are for firms and LLPs, companies, and trusts respectively.
Which ITR form should I file?
It depends on your income. Salary up to ₹50 lakh? Usually ITR-1. Capital gains or income above ₹50 lakh? ITR-2. Business income? ITR-3, or ITR-4 if presumptive. Firm/LLP, company or trust use ITR-5, ITR-6 or ITR-7.
What is ITR-1 (Sahaj)?
ITR-1 is for resident individuals with income up to ₹50 lakh from salary or pension, up to two house properties and interest. For AY 2026-27 it also allows long-term capital gains under Section 112A up to ₹1.25 lakh.
Which ITR form is for business income?
ITR-3 for regular business or professional income, or ITR-4 (Sugam) if you opt for presumptive taxation under Section 44AD / 44ADA / 44AE and your income is up to ₹50 lakh.
Which ITR form does a company or LLP file?
A company files ITR-6 (unless claiming Section 11 exemption, which uses ITR-7). A partnership firm or LLP files ITR-5.
What happens if I file the wrong ITR form?
Your return may be treated as defective under Section 139(9), requiring correction and refiling — possibly after the deadline, with penalty and interest. Choosing the right form upfront avoids this.
Right form, first time — with a CA
Don't gamble on the form. Send your details on WhatsApp and a Chartered Accountant picks the correct ITR, claims every deduction, and files it on time — salaried, business, company or LLP.
File with the right ITR formThis guide to the types of ITR forms is for AY 2026-27 (FY 2025-26) and is for general information only — not tax, legal or financial advice. Form applicability and conditions are governed by the Income-tax Act, 1961 and CBDT notifications and may change. Verify the correct form for your facts, or consult a Chartered Accountant, before filing.