What happens if I miss the ITR-3 deadline?

If the return is not filed by 15th September 2025, it can be filed as a belated return by 31st December 2025 with a late fee of up to ₹5,000 under Section 234F.

What are the new changes in ITR-3 for AY 2025–26?

Key changes include split capital gains reporting (pre/post 23 July 2024), new treatment of buyback income as dividends from 1 Oct 2024, Schedule AL threshold increased to ₹1 crore, and inclusion of Section 44BBC for cruise operators.

By when should tax be paid to avoid interest?

To avoid interest under Section 234A, all taxes must be paid by 31st July 2025, even if the return is filed by 15th September 2025.

Where can I download the latest ITR-3 utility?

You can download the latest ITR-3 filing utility from the official Income Tax website at https://www.incometax.gov.in.

What documents are required for filing ITR-3?

Required documents include PAN, Aadhaar, bank account details, Form 26AS, AIS, TIS, balance sheet, profit & loss statement, deduction proofs, and Form 10-IEA if opting out of new tax regime.

ITR 3 Filing for A.Y.2025-26

Income Tax Return filing for A.Y. 2025–26 has started! Don’t wait—file your ITR now and avoid last-minute hassle. The extended due date is 15th September 2025. Stay stress-free, avoid penalties, and keep your finances in order. Act early, file on time! Need help? We’re here to guide you.

Income Tax Return - itr 3 filing

Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) every year is not only a legal duty but also helps you keep your financial records clean and clear. For Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26, the government has made it easy for taxpayers to file their returns online. If you are a person who earns income from business or profession, ITR-3 is the return form you may need to use.

But many people get confused about who should file ITR-3, what documents are needed, how to file it, and what mistakes to avoid. Don’t worry! This article will walk you through everything in a simple way.

What is ITR 3?

ITR 3 is an income tax return form that should be used by individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) who:

Earn income from a proprietorship business or
Practice a profession (like doctors, lawyers, freelancers, etc.)

So, if you are running your own business (not a company or LLP) or you’re a professional earning fees for your services, ITR 3 is the right form for you.

Who Should File ITR 3 for AY 2025-26?

You must file ITR 3 if you are an individual or HUF and have income from:

Proprietary Business: This includes income from any business you own and operate as a sole proprietor.
Profession: This covers income from practicing a profession like doctor, lawyer, architect, consultant, freelancer, etc.
Being a Partner in a Firm: If you are a partner in a partnership firm (not an LLP) and receive salary, commission, bonus, interest, or other remuneration from the firm, you’ll generally file ITR 3.
And also have income from any of these sources:
- Salary or Pension
- House Property (one or more)
- Capital Gains (short-term or long-term, including from stocks, mutual funds, property, etc.)
- Other Sources (like interest income, dividends, lottery winnings, horse race winnings, etc.)
Being a Director in a Company: If you were a director in any company at any time during the financial year.
Holding Unlisted Equity Shares: If you held unlisted equity shares at any time during the financial year.
Foreign Assets/Income: If you have any foreign assets or income from outside India, or signing authority in any account located outside India.
Carrying Forward Losses: If you have any brought forward losses from previous years or losses to be carried forward to future years under any head of income.

Documents Needed for ITR 3 Filing

Filing ITR 3 requires detailed information about your business or profession. Here’s a checklist of documents and information you should gather:

General Information: PAN, Aadhaar, personal details, bank account details (ensure one account is pre-validated for refunds).
Business/Profession Details:
- Financial Statements: Profit & Loss Account, Balance Sheet, Trading Account (if applicable), Manufacturing Account (if applicable).
- Books of Accounts: Proper records of all income and expenses.
- GST Details: GSTIN and turnover if registered under GST.
- Details of Debtors, Creditors, Stock, Cash Balance: Especially if you don’t maintain regular books of accounts.
- Salary Income: Form 16 from your employer (if applicable).
House Property Income: Rent receipts, interest certificates for home loans (if any), municipal tax receipts.
Capital Gains:
- Sale/Purchase Deeds for property.
- Broker statements for equity, mutual funds, or other securities transactions.
- Details of Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs) like crypto: Specific new schedules require quarterly breakdown of VDA income and details of each transaction (buy/sell dates).
Income from Other Sources: Bank statements showing interest income, dividend statements, details of lottery winnings etc.
Deduction Proofs: Investment proofs for deductions under Chapter VI-A (e.g., Section 80C, 80D, 80G, etc.). Note that for AY 2025-26, enhanced disclosures may be required for certain deductions (e.g., policy numbers for life insurance, PRAN for NPS).
Foreign Assets/Income Details: If applicable, details of foreign bank accounts, assets, income earned abroad, etc. (Schedule FA, Schedule FSI).

Due Date for ITR 3 Filing for AY 2025-26

For Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26 (Financial Year 2024-25):

For individuals and HUFs whose accounts are NOT required to be audited: The extended due date is September 15, 2025. (The original due date of July 31, 2025, was extended).
For individuals and HUFs whose accounts ARE required to be audited (under Section 44AB): The due date is October 31, 2025.

It’s always advisable to file your return well before the due date to avoid last-minute glitches and potential penalties or interest under Section 234A and 234F for late filing.

ITR Filing Fee

for A.Y. 2025 -26

₹ 1499/-

Computation
ITR acknowledgment
Filed ITR form

Penalties for Late ITR 3 Filing

If you miss the due date, you may face:

Late fee of up to ₹5,000 (₹1,000 if income is below ₹5 lakh)
Interest on unpaid taxes (Section 234A, 234B, 234C)
Loss of eligibility to carry forward losses
Trouble with loans, credit cards, and visa applications

So, it’s always better to file your ITR 3 on time!

Income Tax Return Filing for AY 2025-26

Ready to tackle your ITR 3 filing? Let's get started on maximizing your tax savings and ensuring compliance with the law!

Call: +91 9818209246

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is required to file ITR-3?

ITR-3 must be filed by individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) who:

Have income from a business or profession carried out as a sole proprietorship.
Are partners in a firm (not LLP shareholders) and receive interest, remuneration, or profit share.
Earn income under the head “Profits and Gains of Business or Profession” (PGBP), not covered under presumptive taxation.

2. What is the due date for filing ITR-3 for AY 2025–26?

The original due date was 31st July 2025. It has been extended by CBDT to:

15th September 2025

This extension applies to non-audit cases.

3. Is there any penalty for filing after 15th September?

Yes. If you miss the extended deadline:

You can file a belated return until 31st December 2025.
Late filing fee under Section 234F:
- ₹1,000 if total income does not exceed ₹5 lakh
- ₹5,000 if income exceeds ₹5 lakh
Interest under Sections 234A, 234B, and 234C may apply if taxes are unpaid by the original due date (31st July 2025).

4. When should taxes be paid to avoid interest?

Even if the filing due date is extended to 15th September, self-assessment tax must be paid by 31st July 2025 to avoid interest under Section 234A.

5. What are the key changes in ITR-3 for AY 2025–26?

Capital Gains Reporting Split:
Gains must be reported separately for:

Before 23rd July 2024

On or after 23rd July 2024
This reflects the updated capital gains tax rates.

Buyback Taxation:

From 1st October 2024, buyback income is treated as dividend.
Corresponding losses to be disclosed in capital gains schedule if dividend is reported in other sources.

Schedule AL (Assets & Liabilities):
Now mandatory only if total income exceeds ₹1 crore (earlier ₹50 lakh).
Section 44BBC (New):
Introduced for non-resident cruise operators. 20% presumptive tax on gross receipts.
Enhanced Audit and TDS Reporting:

Audit section now requires UDIN, audit date, and acknowledgement number.
TDS details must include TDS section code (e.g., 194J, 194C).

Deductions and Regime Selection:

Clauses and sub-sections must be selected for each deduction (e.g., 80C, 80D).
Tax regime selection under Section 115BAC must be declared. If opting out, Form 10-IEA must be filed.

6. Can ITR-3 be filed under presumptive taxation?

Technically yes, but if you are opting for presumptive income under sections 44AD, 44ADA, or 44AE, it is better to use ITR-4 (which is designed for presumptive taxpayers).

ITR-3 is used if:

You are not eligible for presumptive taxation, or
You choose to declare actual profits and maintain books of accounts.

7. Who should not file ITR-3?

You should not file ITR-3 if:

You only have income from salary, house property, capital gains, or other sources (use ITR-1 or ITR-2 instead).
You are eligible for and opting for presumptive taxation (use ITR-4).