Which ITR Form Should a Salaried Person File in India?
Which ITR Form Should a Salaried Person File in India? If you’re a salaried person in India, there’s one big question that pops up every year around tax season: “Which ITR form should I use to file my return?” Let’s make this super simple for you. There is no jargon or confusion — just clear information based on what the Income Tax Act says. What is ITR? ITR stands for Income Tax Return — a form you file every year to declare your total income, deductions, and tax paid.Filing ITR is not just a legal responsibility under the Income Tax Act, 1961 — it’s also helpful when applying for loans, visas, or claiming refunds. The Income Tax Act & Salaried Employees Under the Income Tax Act, income from salary is considered under “Income from Salaries” — one of the five heads of income. The ITR form you choose depends on your total income, its sources, and a few other conditions. Let’s look at your options: 1. ITR-1 (Sahaj) – For Most Salaried Individuals As per Rule 12 of the Income Tax Rules, you can file ITR-1 if:• You are a resident individual• Your total income is up to ₹50 lakh• Your income includes:• Salary or pension• Income from one house property (excluding cases with losses)• Income from other sources (like interest from savings account or FD) You should not use ITR-1 if: • You are a director in a company• You have foreign assets or foreign income• You have capital gains• You have income from more than one house property• You have income from a business or profession In simple words:If you are a salaried employee with basic income sources (salary + savings interest + one home), and your income is under ₹50 lakh, then ITR-1 is the form for you. 2. ITR-2 – For Higher Income or Additional Sources You must use ITR-2 if:• Your total income exceeds ₹50 lakh• You earn from:• More than one house property• Capital gains (example: selling stocks or property)• Foreign income or own foreign assets• You are a director in a company• You hold unlisted shares In simple words:If you’re salaried but have extra sources of income, foreign holdings, or capital gains, ITR-2 is the correct form as per the law. 3. ITR-3 – For Salary + Business/Professional Income ITR-3 is meant for individuals who:• Earn business or professional income, along with a salary• Are partners in a firm You’ll use this only if you are also a consultant, freelancer, or run a side business.
Which ITR Form Should a Salaried Person File in India? Read More »