5 September 2015
Which Income Tax Return Form to Fill — A Simple Guide
Income tax returns have to be filed with the government in a prescribed format. The following is a guide to selecting the form applicable to you.
ITR-1 (SAHAJ)
Applicable mostly to salaried individuals — if you're getting salary or pension income, rent from (or occupying) one house property, exempt income (agricultural income up to ₹5,000), or other income like FD interest (other than lottery or horse race winnings).
ITR-2A
In addition to the above, if you're getting agricultural income above ₹5,000, income or loss from more than one house property, or lottery/horse race winnings.
ITR-2
A more detailed form, used when, in addition to the above, you have capital gains or loss from the purchase/sale of property and investments (shares, mutual funds), or foreign income or holding of any foreign bank accounts / signing power.
ITR-3
If you're a partner in a partnership firm or LLP and have a share of profit or loss. Not to be used if you have a proprietorship.
ITR-4
If you have a proprietorship, ITR-4 is applicable. There are around 35 schedules in this form.
ITR-4S (Sugam)
Similar to ITR-1, used by small business taxpayers who use the presumptive form of taxation (Section 44AD).
ITR-5
Used by partnership firms, LLPs, AOPs, and BOIs (Body of Individuals).
ITR-6
Used by companies, except those claiming a Section 11 exemption.
ITR-7
For persons, including companies, required to furnish a return under section 139(4A), 139(4B), 139(4C), or 139(4D).
From FY 2014–15, certain additional details became mandatory, such as details of all bank accounts held in India at any point during the year by residents.
The forms are available on the Income Tax Department's e-filing portal.
Originally published September 2015. ITR form numbers and naming have changed since (ITR-2A and ITR-4S no longer exist in their original form) — check the current year's forms on the official portal before filing.