Filing your income tax return? Hold on—if you need to use ITR-2 or ITR-3 forms, you may not be able to file just yet. The Income Tax Department has not released the utility for these forms, which means certain taxpayers can’t file their returns for now. This delay affects many salaried professionals, High Net Worth Individuals (HNIs) and freelancers. If you fall into one of these categories, your wait continues. Wondering if this applies to you? Read on to find out who is affected, what the delay means, and when you can expect to file your return.
Who Should File ITR-2 and ITR-3? Know Which Form Applies to You
With the tax filing season underway, it’s important to know which ITR form you should fill. Two common forms which are ITR-2 and ITR-3, apply to different types of taxpayers, and choosing the wrong one could lead to problems.
ITR-2 is for people or Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) who do not earn income from business or profession. This includes people with income from salary, capital gains, more than one house property, or foreign income. If you want to club the income of a spouse or minor child with your own and their income falls into these categories, you can fill ITR-2. However, if you have earnings from a business or receive any form of income like salary or commission from a partnership firm, you cannot use ITR-2.
ITR-3, on the other hand, is for individuals and HUFs who do run a business or practice a profession. This includes individuals like doctors, lawyers, and chartered accountants etc. ITR-3 comes in handy if your income depends on actual business profits and you maintain detailed books of accounts.
Word of caution: Before you start filing, check which form suits your income type. Filing the correct ITR form ensures your return is processed smoothly and avoids unnecessary notices from the tax department.
When is the last date to file ITR-2/ITR-3?
The last date to file ITR-2 and ITR-3 is September 15, 2025.