Which ITR form should I file?
Salaried taxpayers
Most salaried people with only salary, one house and interest income use ITR-1. The moment you have capital gains (shares, mutual funds, property), you move to ITR-2.
Business and professional income
Freelancers and businesses use ITR-3 for regular books, or ITR-4 if they opt for the presumptive scheme (44ADA for professionals, 44AD for small business) where income is declared as a fixed percentage of receipts.
Related questions
Can I use ITR-1 if I have capital gains?
No. Any capital gains — even a small amount from selling shares or mutual funds — disqualify ITR-1. You must use ITR-2 (or ITR-3 if you also have business income).
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General information for AY 2026-27, not professional advice. Rules change with each Finance Act / notification and depend on your facts — verify with a licensed CA or advocate before acting.