Filing ITR by 31 August? Know the right forms for taxpayers with business or professional income

With the 31 August deadline for filing income tax returns for non-audit taxpayers approaching, individuals earning income from a business or profession need to ensure they are using the correct ITR form and have the necessary tax records in place.

Here are the key forms taxpayers should know before filing their returns.

ITR-3 is applicable to individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) earning income from business or profession who do not qualify to file ITR-1, ITR-2 or ITR-4. It can cover income from salary or pension, house property, capital gains, and other sources in addition to business or professional income.

ITR-4 is a simplified return available to eligible resident individuals, HUFs, and firms other than LLPs. It is meant for taxpayers whose business or professional income is calculated under the presumptive taxation provisions of sections 44AD, 44ADA or 44AE, subject to an income limit of ₹ 50 lakh.

For AY 2026-27, the ITR deadline for non-audit taxpayers filing ITR-3 and ITR-4 is 31 August.

Taxpayers also need specific forms and statements that contain details of their income, TDS, tax payments, or specific transactions.

Form 16A is a quarterly TDS certificate issued by the person or entity deducting tax. It helps taxpayers verify:

Individuals earning professional or business income should reconcile the TDS shown in Form 16A with their tax records before filing their return.

Form 26AS provides taxpayers with details primarily relating to TDS and tax collected at source (TCS). The Annual Information Statement (AIS) provides a wider set of information reported to the tax department. This can include:

Taxpayers should compare these records with their own income and transaction details and flag any discrepancies before filing the ITR.

Form 15G can be submitted by eligible resident individuals below 60 years, HUFs, and certain other taxpayers seeking non-deduction of TDS on eligible interest income. Form 15H serves a similar purpose for eligible resident individuals aged 60 years or above.

These forms generally require taxpayers to provide details of their estimated income and are relevant when they expect their tax liability to be nil.

Individuals or other taxpayers covered by transfer-pricing provisions may need to obtain Form 3CEB from a chartered accountant.

It contains details of specified international transactions and specified domestic transactions covered under section 92E of the Income Tax Act, 1961.