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ITR-3

ITR-3 Filing Online — FY 2025-26

For F&O traders, business owners, and professionals with regular books of account

ITR-3 is required for individuals and HUFs with income from business or profession, including F&O traders, professionals maintaining regular books, and those who have opted out of the presumptive taxation scheme. It includes Schedule BP for business income and Schedule CG for capital gains.

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Filing deadline

July 31, 2026 (non-audit); October 31, 2026 (if tax audit under Section 44AB is required)

Who should file ITR-3

  • F&O traders (futures and options income is non-speculative business income)
  • Individuals with any business or professional income outside presumptive schemes
  • Professionals with turnover above Section 44ADA limit (₹75 lakh for cash-based)
  • Individuals who have opted out of Section 44AD/44ADA and are in the 5-year restriction period
  • Partners in a firm
  • Anyone with capital gains AND business income
  • Intraday equity traders (speculative business income)

Who CANNOT use ITR-3

  • Individuals with only salary and capital gains (use ITR-2)
  • Individuals under presumptive taxation opting for ITR-4

Income types covered in ITR-3

Business / professional incomeF&O trading incomeSalaryCapital gainsOther sources

Frequently asked questions about ITR-3

Is F&O income capital gains or business income?
F&O income is treated as non-speculative business income under Section 43(5) of the Income Tax Act — not capital gains. It is reported in Schedule BP (Business & Profession) of ITR-3 and taxed at your applicable slab rate. F&O cannot be reported in ITR-1 or ITR-2.
When does an F&O trader need a tax audit?
A tax audit under Section 44AB is required if your F&O turnover exceeds ₹10 crore (digital transactions, 95%+ via banking) or ₹1 crore (mixed). F&O turnover is calculated using the absolute profit method — sum of absolute values of all trade profits and losses, not the gross trade value. Additionally, if your declared profit is below 6% of turnover and your income exceeds the basic exemption limit, a tax audit is mandatory even at lower turnover.
I had F&O losses this year. Can I carry them forward?
Yes. F&O losses are non-speculative business losses and can be carried forward for 8 assessment years, to be set off against any future business income. To preserve this right, you must file ITR-3 on or before the due date (July 31, 2026). A belated return forfeits the carry-forward right permanently for that year's losses.
I have both salary income and F&O trading. Which ITR?
ITR-3. Once you have any business income (including F&O), you must use ITR-3 regardless of salary. You report salary in Schedule S, F&O gains/losses in Schedule BP, and any capital gains in Schedule CG — all in the same ITR-3.
What is the STT rate on F&O for FY 2025-26?
Effective October 1, 2024 (Budget 2024 revision): Futures — 0.02% of trade value; Options (premium) — 0.1% of option premium. STT paid on F&O is a deductible business expense when computing your F&O profit or loss.

Not sure if ITR-3 is right for you?

ITR-1

Simplest ITR for salaried individuals with income up to ₹50 lakh

ITR-2

For salaried individuals with capital gains, NRIs, or income above ₹50 lakh

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