Types of ITR Forms AY 2026-27: ITR-1 to ITR-7 – Which One to File?
Choosing the wrong ITR form is one of the most common mistakes taxpayers make – it can lead to your return being declared defective. There are 7 types of ITR forms, each designed for a specific category of taxpayer. This guide helps you identify which ITR form applies to your income type for AY 2026-27.
Types of ITR Forms – Quick Comparison
| Form | Who Should File | Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| ITR-1 (Sahaj) | Resident individuals: salary, pension, one house property, other sources (interest) | Up to ₹50 lakh |
| ITR-2 | Individuals/HUF: capital gains, multiple house properties, foreign income, salary > ₹50L, director of company | No limit |
| ITR-3 | Individuals/HUF with income from business or profession (non-presumptive) | No limit |
| ITR-4 (Sugam) | Individuals, HUF, firms opting for presumptive taxation (44AD, 44ADA, 44AE) | Up to ₹50 lakh total income |
| ITR-5 | Partnership firms, LLPs, AOP, BOI, artificial juridical persons | No limit |
| ITR-6 | Companies other than those claiming exemption under Section 11 (trusts) | No limit |
| ITR-7 | Persons required to file return under Sections 139(4A)/(4B)/(4C)/(4D) – trusts, political parties, research institutions | No limit |
ITR-1 (Sahaj) – Simplest Form for Salaried
Who can file: Resident individuals with salary/pension income + one house property + income from other sources (interest, dividends) where total income ≤ ₹50 lakh.
Who CANNOT file ITR-1:
- Non-residents and NRIs
- Those with capital gains income (any amount)
- Those with more than one house property
- Directors of companies or shareholders with unlisted shares
- Agriculture income > ₹5,000
- Total income > ₹50 lakh
ITR-2 – For Capital Gains and Complex Income
Who should file: Any individual or HUF not eligible for ITR-1, who has capital gains (from stocks, MFs, property), multiple properties, salary above ₹50 lakh, foreign income, or directorship in a company.
Most stock market investors need to file ITR-2 since they have STCG/LTCG from equity/mutual fund sales.
ITR-3 – For Business and Profession
Who should file: Individuals or HUFs who are partners in a partnership firm, or carry on business/profession and are not using presumptive taxation. Also for salaried individuals who have business income in addition to salary.
ITR-4 (Sugam) – Presumptive Taxation
Who should file: Small business owners (turnover ≤ ₹3 crore), professionals (receipts ≤ ₹75 lakh), or goods transport operators opting for presumptive taxation under Sections 44AD, 44ADA, or 44AE. Also applicable for those with salary income in addition to presumptive business income, if total income ≤ ₹50 lakh.
Which ITR Form for Common Scenarios?
| Your Situation | Right ITR Form |
|---|---|
| Salaried employee (income ≤ ₹50L), no capital gains | ITR-1 |
| Salaried with mutual fund/stock gains | ITR-2 |
| Freelancer/consultant using 44ADA | ITR-4 |
| Business owner (not presumptive) | ITR-3 |
| Partnership firm or LLP | ITR-5 |
| Private limited or public company | ITR-6 |
ITR Due Dates by Form Type – AY 2026-27
- ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-4 (non-audit): 31 July 2026
- ITR-3 (non-audit individuals): 31 July 2026
- ITR-5, ITR-6 (audit cases): 31 October 2026
- ITR-6 (transfer pricing cases): 30 November 2026
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