Income Tax Return Filing 2025: Your Guide to ITR-3
The income tax return (ITR) filing season is in full swing, and if you’re a business owner, a freelancer, or a professional, you’re likely wondering about ITR-3. This is one of the most detailed ITR forms, specifically designed for individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) who earn income from a business or profession.
The deadline for filing non-audit ITRs has been extended to September 15, 2025, so it’s a good time to get started.
Who Should File ITR-3?
You must file ITR-3 if you are an individual or HUF with income from a business or a profession. This includes:
- Business Owners and Professionals: Anyone with income from a proprietorship, freelancing, or consultancy services.
- Partners in a Firm: If you earn income as a partner from a firm.
- Presumptive Income: If you’re using presumptive taxation schemes (Sections 44AD, 44ADA, or 44AE).
- Multiple Income Sources: This form is for you if you have business income along with other types of income like salary, capital gains (including from F&O trading), or rental income from house property.
Key Updates for AY 2025-26
For the income earned in FY 2024-25, there are some crucial changes you need to know:
- Capital Gains Reporting: This is a major update. You must now report capital gains from shares and mutual funds based on a new cut-off date: July 23, 2024. Any gains from sales on or after this date will have different tax rates, so the ITR-3 form now requires you to report these separately. This means more detailed documentation is needed.
- Filing Deadlines: The due date for filing ITR-3 for individuals and professionals who do not require an audit is September 15, 2025. For those whose accounts need an audit, the deadline is October 31, 2025.
It’s always a good idea to file your return well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute complications, especially with the new capital gains reporting requirements.
Key Details Needed to File ITR-3
To file ITR-3, you’ll need to have the following information ready:
- Your business’s Profit and Loss statement and Balance Sheet.
- Details of any income from salary, house property, capital gains, and other sources.
- Taxes paid, including advance tax, TDS, and TCS details.
- Details of foreign assets or income, if applicable.
Filing the correct form is essential to ensure a smooth process. Make sure to choose ITR-3 if your income profile matches the criteria.