Tax topic · income

    Business Income Taxation & Filing

    Business income is filed in ITR-3 (individuals), ITR-5 (firms/LLPs) or ITR-6 (companies). Books of accounts under Section 44AA are mandatory unless 44AD/44ADA/44AE presumptive is opted. Tax audit under Section 44AB triggers at ₹1 Cr turnover (₹10 Cr with ≥95% digital).

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    ServiceBusiness Income
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    5-min reply
    PAN India
    Key takeaways
    • Section 28–44DB: computation of business income
    • Section 44AA: books of accounts thresholds
    • Section 44AB: tax audit thresholds ₹1 Cr / ₹10 Cr
    • Section 44AD: presumptive 6%/8% up to ₹3 Cr
    • Section 40(b): partner remuneration limits (firms/LLPs)

    Definition

    Business Income

    Business income is the profit from any trade, commerce or manufacture, computed under Sections 28–44DB with allowances for depreciation and actual expenses.

    What is Business Income?

    Business income is filed in ITR-3 (individuals), ITR-5 (firms/LLPs) or ITR-6 (companies). Books of accounts under Section 44AA are mandatory unless 44AD/44ADA/44AE presumptive is opted. Tax audit under Section 44AB triggers at ₹1 Cr turnover (₹10 Cr with ≥95% digital).

    Key rules to remember

    • Section 28–44DB: computation of business income
    • Section 44AA: books of accounts thresholds
    • Section 44AB: tax audit thresholds ₹1 Cr / ₹10 Cr
    • Section 44AD: presumptive 6%/8% up to ₹3 Cr
    • Section 40(b): partner remuneration limits (firms/LLPs)

    Worked example

    A Kolkata trading firm with ₹4.8 Cr digital turnover: opts out of 44AD, files ITR-5 with actual profit 4.5% (₹21.6L), completes 44AB audit and pays 30% flat tax = ₹6.48L.

    Which ITR form applies

    • ITR-3No upper limit
    • ITR-4 (Sugam)44AD ₹3 Cr (digital) / 44ADA ₹75L / 44AE per vehicle
    • ITR-5No upper limit
    • ITR-6No upper limit

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    Last Updated
    15 September 2026

    Content refreshed against the latest CBIC / CBDT / MCA notifications and portal changes.

    Reviewed by Chartered Accountant
    CA Ravi Sharma

    Chartered Accountant · ICAI Member · 12+ years in Indian tax & compliance

    Update History
    1. 15 September 2026
      Reviewed rates, forms and portal workflow for Business Income. Verified against latest CBIC/CBDT notifications.
    2. 10 January 2026
      Refreshed FAQ set, added new penalty examples and jurisdiction notes.
    3. 05 October 2025
      Structural rewrite for EEAT — added expert commentary, playbooks and process timeline.