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ITR-3 Form: How to File ITR-3 Online

Updated on: 22 Mar, 2025 03:57 PM

Income tax return form (ITR-3) is meant for individuals and HUFs with income from the head Profits or gains from business and profession. It is one of the various income tax return forms prescribed by the Income Tax Department of India for different types of taxpayers. In this article, we will discuss ITR 3, what is ITR 3, the components of ITR 3 form, and how to file ITR 3.

What is the ITR-3 Form?

ITR-3 is an income tax return form used in India for individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) who have income from the following sources:

  • Income from business or profession
  • Income from salary or pension
  • Income from house property
  • Income from capital gains
  • Income from other sources

For ITR-3 to be applicable, the taxpayer must have a proprietorship or business as one of their income sources.

The ITR-3 form is more comprehensive and allows taxpayers to provide detailed information about their income and deductions across various sources. It consists of different sections where taxpayers need to provide relevant details, such as personal information, computation of total income, details of income from different sources, deductions, taxes paid, and verification.


Who Can File ITR-3?

ITR-3 can be filed by the assesses falling in the following categories:-

  • Income from a profession or business carried under a proprietorship firm, wherein the taxpayer is a proprietor (both audit and non-audit cases)
  • Income from more than one house property
  • Rewards earned by winning a lottery, horse racing, and other activities falling under ‘Income from Other Sources
  • Income assets by way of assets in a country outside India
  • Income generated from short or long-term capital gains

Who are Not Eligible to File ITR-3?

  • Individuals who file Form ITR‐1 (Sahaj), ITR‐2, or ITR‐4 (Sugam) are not eligible to file ITR-3.
  • Income earned from foreign assets.

What is the Structure of the ITR-3 Form?

ITR-3 comprises the following sections:

Part A

  • Part A-GEN: General details and Nature of Business
  • Part A-BS: Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2021, for the Proprietary Business or Profession
  • Part A- Manufacturing Account: Manufacturing Account for the financial year 2020-21
  • Part A- Trading Account: Trading Account for the financial year 2020-21
  • Part A-P&L: Profit and Loss for the Financial Year 2020-21
  • Part A-OI: Optional Other Information (if not subject to audit under Section 44AB)
  • Part A-QD: Optional Quantitative Details (if not subject to audit under Section 44AB)

Following these sections, there are the subsequent schedules:

  • Schedule-S: Calculation of income from Salaries.
  • Schedule-HP: Calculation of income from House Property.
  • Schedule BP: Calculation of income from business or profession.
  • Schedule-DPM: Depreciation computation on plant and machinery under the Income-tax Act.
  • Schedule DOA: Depreciation computation on other assets under the Income-tax Act.
  • Schedule DEP: Summary of depreciation on all assets under the Income-tax Act.
  • Schedule DCG: Computation of deemed capital gains on the sale of depreciable assets.
  • Schedule ESR: Deductions under section 35 (expenditure on scientific research).
  • Schedule-CG: Calculation of income from Capital gains.
  • Schedule 112A: Details of Capital Gains where section 112A applies.
  • Schedule 115AD(1)(b)(iii)Proviso: Details of Capital Gains for Non-Residents where section 112A applies.
  • Schedule-OS: Calculation of income from Other sources.
  • Schedule-CYLA-BFLA: Statement of income after set-off of current year’s losses and unabsorbed loss brought forward.
  • Schedule-CYLA: Statement of income after set-off of current year’s losses.
  • Schedule BFLA: Statement of income after set-off of unabsorbed loss brought forward.
  • Schedule CFL: Statement of losses to be carried forward to future years.
  • Schedule- UD: Statement of unabsorbed depreciation.
  • Schedule ICDS: Effect of Income Computation Disclosure Standards on Profit.
  • Schedule- 10AA: Deduction computation under section 10AA.
  • Schedule 80G: Statement of donations eligible for deduction under section 80G.
  • Schedule RA: Statement of donations entitled for deduction under specific sections.
  • Schedule- 80IA: Deduction computation under section 80IA.
  • Schedule- 80IB: Deduction computation under section 80IB.
  • Schedule- 80IC/ 80-IE: Deduction computation under section 80IC/ 80-IE.
  • Schedule VI-A: Statement of deductions under Chapter VIA.
  • Schedule AMT: Computation of Alternate Minimum Tax under Section 115JC.
  • Schedule AMTC: Computation of tax credit under section 115JD.
  • Schedule SPI: Statement of income for spouse/minor child/son’s wife or others to be included in the assessee's income.
  • Schedule SI: Statement of income taxable at special rates.
  • Schedule-IF: Information regarding partnership firms where the assessee is a partner.
  • Schedule EI: Statement of income not included in total income (exempt incomes).
  • Schedule PTI: Pass-through income details from business trust or investment fund as per section 115UA, 115UB.
  • Schedule TPSA: Secondary adjustment to transfer price as per section 92CE(2A).
  • Schedule FSI: Details of income from outside India and tax relief.
  • Schedule TR: Statement of tax relief claimed under specific sections.
  • Schedule FA: Statement of Foreign Assets and income from sources outside India.
  • Schedule 5A: Information regarding income apportionment between spouses governed by the Portuguese Civil Code.
  • Schedule AL: Asset and Liability at the end of the year (if total income exceeds Rs 50 lakhs).
  • Schedule GST: Information regarding turnover/Gross receipt reported for GST.
  • Schedule VDA: Details of income from the transfer of virtual digital assets.

Part B consists of:

  • Part B-TI: Computation of Total Income.
  • Part B-TTI: Computation of tax liability on total income.
  • Verification

How to File ITR-3?

Now that you know what is ITR 3 form, let’s understand how to file ITR 3. The ITR-3 filing can be done via two modes:-

Offline Filing

In this method, you can fill out the ITR-3 form in a paper format or through a bar-coded return. The filled-in form needs to be physically submitted to the designated income tax office within the specified timelines. It's crucial to ensure that the form is accurately filled, signed, and all the necessary supporting documents are attached.

Steps to File ITR 3 Online

  • Step 1: Visit the Income Tax e-filing portal and log in using your PAN and CAPTCHA code.
  • Step 2: Navigate to ‘e-File’ > ‘Income Tax Forms’. Select the Assessment Year 2023-24 and choose ‘ITR-3 Form’. Click ‘Continue’.
  • Step 3: Choose one of the following methods to file ITR-3:
    • Online mode: Fill in the form directly on the portal.
    • Offline mode: Download the form, complete it, and upload it as an XML file.
  • Step 4: In the online mode, a pre-filled form will appear with your personal and income details. You can review and edit the information as needed.
  • Step 5: Enter details about your profession, business income, salary, house property, capital gains, and other sources of income. Claim applicable tax deductions and report paid taxes.
  • Step 6: Review your ITR-3 form, verify the entered details, and use the ‘Calculate Tax’ option to check your tax liability or refund. Once satisfied, click ‘Submit’.
  • Step 7: Choose a verification method to complete the filing:
    • OTP-based electronic verification (via Aadhaar-linked mobile number).
    • Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).
    • Electronic Verification Code (EVC).
  • Step 8: Upon successful verification, the Income Tax Department will send an acknowledgment email to your registered email ID.

Due Date for Filing Form ITR 3

If you are not liable to get an audit done, then the due date for filing form ITR 3 will be July 31st of the relevant year. For example, the last date to file ITR for FY 2024-25 is 31st July 2025.

Similarly, in cases where the taxpayer is required to get his/her books of accounts audited, then, the due date for filing ITR 3 is 31st October of the relevant year. Therefore, for FY 2024-25, the last date to file ITR for audit cases is 31st October 2025 (unless otherwise specified).


Business Codes for ITR Forms

Sector Sub-sectors Code
Electricity, Gas and Water Production, collection and distribution of electricity 05001
Manufacture and distribution of gas 05002
Collection, purification and distribution of water 05003
Other necessary commodity services 05004
Renting of Machinery Renting of land transport equipment 08001
Renting of water transport equipment 08002
Renting air transport equipment 08003
Renting agricultural machinery and equipment 08004
Renting construction and civil engineering machinery 08005
Renting of office machinery and equipment 08006
Renting of other machinery and equipment 08007
Renting of personal and household goods 08008
Real estate and renting services Purchase, sales and letting lease buildings 07001
Operating real estate of self-owned buildings 07002
Developing and sub-dividing real estate into lots 07003
Real estate activities on a contractual basis 07004
Other real estate and renting services 07005
Hotels, restaurants and hospitality Hotels-star rated 10001
Hotels-non star rated 10002
Motels, inns and dharmashalas 10003
Guest houses and circuit houses 10004
Dormitories and hostels at educational institutions 10005
Short stay accommodation 10006
Restaurants with bars 10007
Restaurants without bars 10008
Canteens 10009
Independent caterers 10010
Casinos and other game of chance 10011
Other hospitality services 10012
Post and Telecommunication Post and courier service 12001
Basic telecom service 12002
Value-added telecom service 12003
Maintenance of telecom service 12004
Activities of cable operators 12005
Other posts and telecommunication services 12006
Research and Development Natural sciences and engineering 15001
Social science and humanity 15002
Other research and development activities 15003
Extra-Territorial Organisations and Bodies Extraterritorial organisations and bodies like the World Bank, IMF, European Commission 22001
Social and Community work Social work activities with accommodations like old-age homes and orphanages 19001
Social work activities without accommodation like creches 19002
Industrial accommodations and chambers of commerce 19003
Professional organisations 19004
Other membership organisations 19005
Other social or community services 19006
Education services Primary educations 17001
Secondary education 17002
Technical or vocational secondary or senior secondary education 17003
Higher education 17004
Education by correspondence 17005
Coaching centres and tuition 17006
Other education services 17007

Filing ITR 3 yourself can be confusing and daunting. Since ITR 3 is a bit complicated, especially for laymen, it is advisable to get help from professionals to avoid further penalties and notices. Need help filing your ITR or have a tax-related query? Hire an online CA and make the most of the deductions available to you while resolving your tax queries. Hire an Online CA Now!


FAQs on ITR 3

Q- Who can file ITR 3?

Individuals and HUFs having income from businesses and professions other than those covered under presumptive taxation are required to file ITR-3.


Q- What is the difference between ITR 3 and ITR 4?

Although broadly both these forms refer to Individuals and HUFs having income from business and profession, the difference lies in the following areas

ITR-3 ITR-4
For other than presumptive taxation Those opting for presumptive taxation need to file ITR 4
Total income reported can exceed Rs 50 lakhs Total income shall not exceed Rs 50 lakhs
Can be filed by a director of a company Cannot be filed by a director

Q- Can we File ITR 3 without the help of a CA?

Yes, you can file ITR 3 without a CA if you don’t need to get your books of accounts audited. However, the process of self-filing of ITR can be a time-consuming and daunting process. Therefore, you must consult a tax professional to get accurate ITR filing. File Your ITR with Tax2win’s Experts Now!


Q- What is the HRA Exemption in ITR 3?

The exemption for House Rent Allowance (HRA) is permissible up to the lowest of the following amounts:

  1. The actual HRA received by the employee.
  2. 40% of the salary if the rented property is in a non-metro city.
  3. 50% of the salary if the rented property is situated in metro cities such as Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai.

Q- What documents are required for ITR-3?

You must have the following at the time of ITR 3 -

  • PAN
  • Aadhaar
  • Bank account details
  • Form 16, if applicable
  • Investments details
  • Books of accounts

Q- How can I verify my ITR 3 form?

  • Step 1. Log in to your Income Tax e-filing account.
  • Step 2. Navigate to ‘e-Filing’ > ‘Income Tax Returns’ > ‘e-Verify Returns’.
  • Step 3. Select the Aadhaar OTP option for verification.
  • Step 4. Enter the 6-digit OTP received on your registered mobile number.
  • Step 5. Click ‘Validate’ to complete the verification.

Q- Are all assesses with business income supposed to file ITR 3?

Individuals/HUF having income from the following sources are required to file ITR-3 -

  • Income from business or profession,
  • Partner in a partnership firm,
  • Director of a company,
  • Income from cryptocurrency
  • Investments in unlisted equity shares
  • Income from Salary, pension , Capital gains & other sources

ITR-3 is not applicable for individuals with income only from salary, house property, and capital gains.


CA Abhishek Soni

CA Abhishek Soni
Founder & CEO at Tax2win

Abhishek Soni is a Chartered Accountant by profession and an entrepreneur by passion. He has wide industry experience in telecom, retail, manufacturing, and entertainment and has handled various national and international assignments. He is the co-founder and CEO of Tax2win.in. Tax2win, an online tax filing platform, provides the easiest way to e-file your Income Tax Return in India. Through Tax2win.in, Abhishek endeavors to revolutionize how individuals file their income tax returns, offering a seamless and user-friendly experience.