Income Tax Return (ITR) filing is a mandatory annual compliance for individuals, professionals, and businesses in India. With changes in income tax rules, forms, and compliance requirements, many taxpayers prefer professional help instead of filing returns themselves. One of the most common questions is about ITR filing charges in 2026. This blog explains the expected ITR filing charges in India for the Financial Year 2025–26 (Assessment Year 2026–27), including factors affecting fees and return-wise costs.
What is ITR Filing?
ITR filing is the process of reporting income, tax liability, deductions, and tax paid to the Income Tax Department. Filing ITR is compulsory if income exceeds the basic exemption limit or if certain conditions are met, even when income is below the limit.
Factors Affecting ITR Filing Charges in 2026
ITR filing charges are not fixed by the government. They vary depending on:
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Type of ITR form
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Nature of income
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Complexity of return
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Residential status
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Number of income sources
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Capital gains or foreign income
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Professional experience (CA or tax consultant)
ITR Filing Charges in 2026 – Form Wise
ITR-1 (Sahaj) Filing Charges
For salaried individuals or pensioners with simple income structure.
Applicable for:
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Salary or pension income
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One house property
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Other income (interest)
Expected charges:
₹500 to ₹1,500
ITR-2 Filing Charges
For individuals and HUFs with capital gains or multiple properties.
Applicable for:
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Capital gains
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More than one house property
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Foreign assets or income
Expected charges:
₹1,500 to ₹3,500
ITR-3 Filing Charges
For professionals and individuals with business income.
Applicable for:
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Doctors, lawyers, consultants
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Freelancers
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Business owners
Expected charges:
₹2,500 to ₹6,000
ITR-4 (Presumptive Taxation) Filing Charges
For small businesses and professionals opting for presumptive taxation under sections 44AD, 44ADA, or 44AE.
Expected charges:
₹1,500 to ₹3,000
ITR-5 Filing Charges
For partnership firms, LLPs, and associations.
Expected charges:
₹4,000 to ₹10,000
ITR-6 Filing Charges
For companies other than those claiming exemption under section 11.
Expected charges:
₹8,000 to ₹25,000 or more depending on complexity
ITR-7 Filing Charges
For trusts, NGOs, political parties, and institutions.
Expected charges:
₹6,000 to ₹20,000
Additional Charges in ITR Filing
Apart from base filing charges, additional fees may apply for:
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Capital gains computation
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Foreign income reporting
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Multiple Form 16 or AIS reconciliation
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Late return filing
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Revised or defective return filing
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Scrutiny or notice response
Late Filing Fees (Government Charges)
If ITR is filed after the due date:
| Income Level | Late Fee |
|---|---|
| Income up to ₹5 lakh | ₹1,000 |
| Income above ₹5 lakh | ₹5,000 |
Interest under section 234A, 234B, and 234C may also apply.
ITR Filing Charges: CA vs Online Platforms
Chartered Accountant
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Personalized advice
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Better handling of complex cases
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Higher cost but reliable
Online ITR Filing Platforms
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Lower cost
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Suitable for simple returns
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Limited customization
Is Free ITR Filing Possible in 2026?
Yes, free filing is possible if:
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You file directly on the income tax portal
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Income structure is simple
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You have basic tax knowledge
However, mistakes can lead to notices or penalties.
How to Reduce ITR Filing Cost
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Maintain proper documents
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File returns on time
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Choose correct ITR form
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Avoid last-minute filing
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Consult professionals early
Why Professional ITR Filing is Recommended
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Accurate tax calculation
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Proper deduction claims
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Reduced risk of notices
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Compliance with latest tax laws
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Peace of mind
ITR filing charges in 2026 depend largely on the type of return and income complexity. While simple salaried returns may cost as low as ₹500, business and company returns can go up to ₹25,000 or more. Choosing the right professional and filing returns accurately and on time helps avoid penalties and ensures compliance with income tax laws.
Disclaimer:
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or professional advice. While efforts are made to keep the content accurate, no guarantees are given. Any action taken based on this information is at the reader’s own risk.