If you earn income from a business, profession, or proprietary firm, chances are you're required to file ITR-3. But let’s face it—Income Tax Return filing sounds complicated, especially with new rules every year. Don’t worry. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process to file ITR-3 online for AY 2025–26, with clarity, simplicity, and zero jargon.
Whether you're filing your return yourself or just want to understand the basics before handing it to a professional, this guide has got you covered.
🔍 What is ITR-3, and Who Should File It?
ITR-3 is meant for individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) who have income from:
- Proprietary business
- Profession
- Income as a partner in a firm (without separate business books)
If you have to maintain books of accounts and your income falls under “Profits & Gains of Business or Profession,” this is the form to use.
🧾 Documents Required Before You File ITR-3
Before you begin the filing process, keep the following documents ready:
- PAN & Aadhaar
- Bank account details (IFSC, Account Number)
- Financial statements – Profit & Loss account & Balance Sheet
- Details of capital gains (if any)
- Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) and Form 26AS
- Form 16A/16C/16B if applicable
- Any advance tax or self-assessment tax paid"
🖥️ Step-by-Step Process to File ITR-3 Online for AY 2025–26
Let’s now break down the step-by-step process to file ITR-3 online using the official Income Tax e-filing portal.
✅ Step 1: Log in to the Income Tax Portal
Go to https://www.incometax.gov.in
Use your PAN/Aadhaar & password to log in. Complete OTP verification if prompted.
✅ Step 2: Select 'File Income Tax Return'
- On the dashboard, click on e-File > Income Tax Returns > File Income Tax Return
- Choose AY 2025–26
- Select ‘Online’ mode
- Select ITR-3 as the applicable form
- Click “Continue”
✅ Step 3: Choose the Filing Type
- Choose: Original Return if you're filing for the first time
- Or Revised Return if you're correcting a previously filed ITR
- Click “Proceed”
✅ Step 4: Enter General & Bank Details
- Confirm your name, PAN, & Aadhaar
- Enter employer type (if salaried also)
- Select bank accounts for refund or verification
- Make sure your bank is pre-validated on the portal
✅ Step 5: Fill Income Details
Under this section, you’ll enter:
- Business or profession income (with balance sheet & P&L)
- Capital gains, if applicable
- Other income like interest, rent, etc.
- Details of any foreign income or assets
Pro Tip: The system auto-pulls some data from AIS/26AS—double-check it before submitting."
✅ Step 6: Add Deductions
Under “80C to 80U”, claim deductions like:
- LIC/PPF/ELSS – Section 80C
- Medical insurance – Section 80D
- Donations – Section 80G
- Education loan – Section 80E
These help you save tax legally. Don’t miss them.
✅ Step 7: Validate TDS/TCS & Advance Tax
Cross-verify the TDS shown in Form 26AS with your actual deductions.
Also, add any advance tax or self-assessment tax paid manually.
✅ Step 8: Review Tax Computation
The portal auto-calculates your total tax payable. Review it thoroughly:
- Is the business income correctly shown?
- Are deductions properly reflected?
- Is any additional tax payable?
If yes, pay it via e-Pay Tax and enter the challan details here.
✅ Step 9: Preview and Submit Return
- Preview the entire return
- Double-check all sections
- Click on “Proceed to Verification”
✅ Step 10: E-Verify Your ITR
You can e-verify instantly using:
- Aadhaar OTP
- Net banking
- EVC via bank account or demat
Without verification, your return won’t be processed.
🕒 What Happens After Filing?
Once verified, you’ll receive an ITR-V acknowledgment. The IT department will then process your return & issue a refund (if any) to the selected bank account.
💡 Pro Tips to Remember
- File your ITR-3 before the due date (September 15 for non-audit cases)
- Always reconcile your books with Form 26AS
- Keep backup copies of your P&L, Balance Sheet, and computation
Conclusion:
Filing ITR-3 may seem complex, but with the right step-by-step guidance and preparation, it’s completely manageable. Now that you know how to file ITR-3 online for AY 2025–26, you’re all set to meet your tax deadlines confidently.
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