Income Tax 101 for Self-employed

Welcome to Income Tax 101 for Self-employed! These videos are designed to help in making tax filing clear and manageable for all self-employed individuals.

 

We start with an overview of filing your Income Tax Returns (ITR) with a focus on self-employed individuals. You will learn about all the essential steps for a smooth online ITR filing experience. Next, we will discuss the differences between ITR-3 and ITR-4. This could help you choose the right form based on your business structure and income type.

Similarly, our videos on key documents required for filing ITR-3 and ITR-4 could help you gather everything you need in advance. This, in turn could make your filing process efficient and error-free. Finally, we will address some common doubts that you might have about ITR filing as a self-employed taxpayer.

Armed with this knowledge, you might find it easier to ensure accurate submissions and optimal financial outcomes.

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Episodes

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E01: ITR for Self employed Individuals Explained
03 mins
Ready for tax season, or still feeling a bit confused? Don’t worry, we’re here to make things clearer with this video. First, we'll discuss ITR-3. This can be the ideal form for anyone running a proprietary business or profession. If you’re running a ‘one-man-show’ —like a doctor, lawyer, or consultant—this form is for you. It includes your total income from your practice. Next, you'll understand all about ITR-4 and the presumptive taxation scheme. With this scheme, your income is calculated as a set percentage of your turnover under Sections 44AD, 44ADA, or 44AE. We’ll also look at finer details under each. For instance, Section 44AD applies to business owners with a turnover up to ₹2 Crores, Section 44ADA to professionals earning up to ₹50 Lakhs. Similarly, Section 44AE applies to those working with goods carriages who own up to ten vehicles. Finally, the video explores other forms like Form 16A, Form 26AS, Annual Information Statement, and Form 3CB-CD. You’ll also learn about Forms 15G and 15H, which are needed to avoid TDS deductions on your interest income. Filing ITR may initially seem tough for self-employed individuals. However, with the right forms and a little preparation, you’ll soon become a pro at filing your taxes!
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E02: Comparing ITR 3 and ITR 4 Which One is Right for You
04 mins
Choosing the right ITR form between ITR-3 and ITR-4 can be confusing for self-employed individuals in India. If you’re also reeling from this confusion, join us as we clear the air in this video! First, we’ll discuss ITR-3. This form can be ideal for business owners like shopkeepers, consultants, freelancers, or anyone running their own practice. If you're filing taxes on business income as a Hindu Undivided Family, ITR-3 could be your go-to option. However, remember that those with foreign income or single-property rental income cannot use ITR-3. Next, you'll understand which incomes ITR-3 covers. For this form, you can include business earnings, professional income, and other sources. These could be capital gains and income from multiple rental properties. We’ll explain how this could help those with a more complex income structure. Then, the video will explore ITR-4. This is for individuals or HUFs whose income comes from a business or profession under the presumptive income scheme. Here, business income is calculated at 8% for non-digital transactions and 6% for digital ones. You’ll also learn that it’s set at 50% of gross receipts for professionals. In summary, ITR-3 could be better suited for complex income structures, while ITR-4 might be ideal for simpler ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No, the ITR-1 form is specifically for salaried individuals. As a self-employed person, you would need to file your income tax return using either the ITR-3 or ITR-4 form. Your correct choice would depend on your exact income sources and business structure.
The due date for online ITR filing for self-employed individuals is generally July 31st of the assessment year. This deadline applies to all individuals, including both salaried and self-employed taxpayers.
ITR-3 is intended for individuals with income from business or profession who have a more complex earning structure. In contrast, ITR-4 is specifically for those with income from business or profession who have opted for the presumptive taxation scheme, simplifying their tax reporting.
No, you would need to choose either the ITR-3 or ITR-4 form to file your income tax return in a given year. You cannot file both forms simultaneously. Each form caters to different types of self-employment income. Hence, you must choose one appropriate form based on your income sources and structure to ensure tax compliance.
If you have any foreign income, you would need to provide details of your foreign assets, bank accounts. You are also required to disclose any tax deducted at source on that income while filing your return online. Additionally, the ITR-3 form would be the appropriate choice for you, as ITR-4 is not applicable if you have foreign income.
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