Last reviewed: 25 September 2026. Picking the wrong ITR form is the single most common filing error - and it can make your whole return defective. This guide maps your income sources to the correct form (ITR-1, 2, 3 or 4) for AY 2026-27, with a quick decision table and the edge cases that trip people up. For a step-by-step version, use our ITR form selector for AY 2026-27.
At a glance
Match the form to your income
| Your situation | Form |
|---|---|
| Resident salaried, up to two house properties, income up to Rs 50 lakh (LTCG u/s 112A up to Rs 1.25 lakh allowed) | ITR-1 |
| Other capital gains, 3 or more houses, foreign assets, director, unlisted shares, NRI | ITR-2 |
| Business/profession on actual profits; F&O or intraday trading | ITR-3 |
| Presumptive tax (44AD/44ADA/44AE), income up to Rs 50 lakh | ITR-4 |
The edge cases
- Salary plus F&O trading pushes you to ITR-3 - trading is business income.
- Any capital gain other than LTCG on listed equity/equity mutual funds u/s 112A of up to Rs 1.25 lakh (with no brought-forward capital losses) rules out ITR-1.
- Non-residents cannot use ITR-1 at all.
- Directors and unlisted-share holders must use ITR-2 or ITR-3.
Select the form up front from your actual income sources - fixing a defective return later wastes time and can delay refunds. For the documents you need before filing, see our ITR checklist.
Due dates for AY 2026-27
- 31 July 2026 - ITR-1 and ITR-2 (and other non-audit cases without business income).
- 31 August 2026 - non-audit ITR-3/ITR-4 (business or professional income), as provided by the Finance Act 2026.
- 31 December 2026 - last date for a belated return (with late fee) or a revised return.
Frequently asked questions
Which ITR form should a salaried person use?
A resident salaried individual with up to two house properties, total income up to Rs 50 lakh, only small interest income and no capital gains other than LTCG under Section 112A of up to Rs 1.25 lakh (with no brought-forward capital losses) can use ITR-1 (Sahaj). Add other capital gains, three or more houses, or foreign assets and you move to ITR-2.
When do I have to use ITR-2?
Use ITR-2 if you have capital gains beyond Section 112A LTCG of up to Rs 1.25 lakh, three or more house properties, foreign income or assets, are a company director, hold unlisted shares, or are a non-resident - and you have no business or professional income.
When is ITR-3 required?
ITR-3 is for individuals and HUFs with income from business or profession on actual profits - including F&O and intraday traders keeping books - who are not using presumptive taxation.
What is ITR-4 (Sugam) for?
ITR-4 is for resident individuals, HUFs and firms (other than LLPs) opting for presumptive taxation under Sections 44AD, 44ADA or 44AE, with total income up to Rs 50 lakh.
Can an NRI use ITR-1?
No. Non-residents cannot use ITR-1; they generally file ITR-2, or ITR-3 if they have business income.
What happens if I file the wrong form?
The return can be treated as defective, and you may get a notice to file the correct form. It is better to select the right form up front by matching it to your income sources.
Which form for someone with salary plus F&O trading?
ITR-3, because F&O is business income - even if salary is your main income, the presence of business income pushes you to ITR-3.
Which form if I only have presumptive business income?
ITR-4, provided you meet the conditions and your total income is within Rs 50 lakh; otherwise ITR-3.
We pick the right form for your income sources and file it accurately.
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