20-05-2025
ITR-1 Sahaj vs ITR-4 Sugam: Which ITR form should you use?
Filing your income tax return can be confusing, especially when it comes to choosing the right form. Two forms that often leave people puzzled are ITR-1, also known as Sahaj, and ITR-4, also known as Sugam. Both are for people earning up to Rs 50 lakh, but they are meant for different types of article will help you understand the difference between ITR-1 and ITR-4 clearly and help you decide which one suits you IS ITR-1 (SAHAJ)?'ITR-1 is designed for resident individuals whose total income does not exceed Rs 50 lakh. This form is suitable for those earning income from a salary or pension, income from one house property, and income from other sources such as interest,' stated CA Shefalii this form isn't allowed if the person has capital gains (other than certain long-term capital gains exempt under Section 112A), business or professional income, agricultural income over Rs 5,000, multiple house properties, or any foreign income or assets, pointed out CA (Dr) Suresh IS ITR-4 (SUGAM)?If you earn through freelancing, run a small business, or practice a profession like medicine, consultancy, or retail, ITR-4 might be for you. This form is designed for those opting for the presumptive taxation scheme, where income is declared at a fixed rate instead of maintaining detailed also known as Sugam, is applicable to taxpayers, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), and firms (other than LLPs) whose total income does not exceed Rs. 50 lakhs and who opt to declare income under the presumptive taxation scheme under sections 44AD, 44ADA, 44AE of the IT Act,' said CA ITR-4 is valid for those earning up to Rs 50 lakh from presumptive business or professional income, plus additional income from salary, pension, a single house property, and other sources, stated CA DO ITR-1 AND ITR-4 DIFFER?The main difference between the two forms lies in the type of income they cover. ITR-1 is for straightforward income from salary or pension, while ITR-4 is suitable if you're into small business or freelance work and are using the presumptive taxation scheme. If you have business or professional income, ITR-1 won't work for you—you'll need ITR-4 instead, as mentioned above.
Credit: CA Shefalii Mundra
NEW UPDATE: LTCG UNDER SECTION 112ABoth forms now allow reporting of long-term capital gains (LTCG) under Section 112A up to Rs 1.25 lakh. According to CA Mundra, this change benefits those who have LTCG from stocks or mutual funds but otherwise meet the Sahaj or Sugam criteria, making tax filing smoother without needing to shift to ITR-2 or choosing between ITR-1 and ITR-4 depends on how you earn your money. Picking the correct form helps avoid delays, errors, and notices from the tax department. So take a few minutes to understand your income sources and file smartly.
