ITR-6 Form: A Complete Guide for Companies (AY 2025–26)
The Income Tax Return (ITR) system in India features multiple forms tailored to various types of taxpayers. Among these, ITR-6 is designated for companies that do not claim exemption under Section 11 of the Income Tax Act. In this article, we explain everything you need to know about ITR-6—who should file it, how to file, its structure, and the major updates for the Assessment Year (AY) 2025–26.
What is the ITR-6 Form?
ITR-6 is the income tax return form that must be filed by companies, except those claiming tax exemption under Section 11 (income from property held for charitable or religious purposes).
Who Should File ITR-6?
The following entities are required to file ITR-6:
- Domestic Companies (registered under the Companies Act, 2013 or 1956)
- Foreign Companies with income sourced in India
- Companies earning income from business or profession
- Companies not claiming exemption under Section 11
Note: Companies claiming exemption under Section 11 (charitable/religious income) must file ITR-7, not ITR-6.
What is Section 11?
Section 11 of the Income Tax Act offers tax exemptions to entities using their income for charitable or religious purposes. Companies availing this exemption do not file ITR-6 and instead use ITR-7.
Audit Requirements for ITR-6:
If the company is liable for audit under Section 44AB or any other law (such as the Companies Act), then:
- Audit report details must be provided.
- The audit report must be filed electronically.
- Forms 3CA and 3CD must be used for reporting.
Structure of the ITR-6 Form:
The ITR-6 form is divided into two main parts and multiple schedules. Here’s a breakdown:
Part A (General & Financial Info):
- Part A: General details
- Part A–BS / BS-Ind AS: Balance Sheet
- Part A: Manufacturing/Trading/P&L (normal and Ind-AS)
- Part A–OI: Other Information
- Part A–QD: Quantitative details
- Part A–OL: For companies under liquidation
Part B:
- Part B–TI: Computation of Total Income
- Part B–TTI: Computation of Tax Liability
List of Schedules (Total: 46)
Some of the key schedules include:
…and many others
Key Changes in ITR-6 for AY 2025–26:
Here are the major updates for companies filing ITR-6 in AY 2025–26:
- Capital Gains Segregation: Companies must report capital gains before and after 23 July 2024 separately.
- Share Buyback Losses: Losses from buyback of shares (not listed on stock exchange) can now be claimed as capital losses.
- Presumptive Taxation for Cruise Operators: Section 44BBC introduced for presumptive income calculation for cruise businesses.
- Diamond Traders: Can declare profits at 4% of gross revenue as presumptive income.
- Enhanced TDS Reporting: Companies must mention the exact section code under which tax was deducted.
- Housing Loan Interest Deduction: More fields to report deduction under Section 24(b) (home loan interest).
How to File ITR-6?
Filing of ITR-6 is compulsory through the online portal using a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).
Filing Steps:
- Visit the Income Tax e-Filing Portal
- Log in with your company’s PAN credentials.
- Select ITR-6 form and the relevant assessment year (AY 2025–26).
- Fill out Part A → Schedules → Part B → Verification.
- Attach the DSC while submitting the form.
- No physical submission or annexure is required.
Important:
- No documents, including TDS certificates, should be physically attached.
- Match all payments and deductions with Form 26AS before filing.
Due Dates for ITR-6 Filing:
How to Fill the Verification Section?
- Ensure correct designation and authority of the person signing.
- Fill only the applicable fields and strike out irrelevant portions.
- False declarations may lead to penalties or prosecution under Section 277.
Tips to File ITR-6 Effectively:
- Gather all relevant documents (financials, audit report, TDS records).
- Double-check entries, especially in tax deductions and turnover.
- Use the correct business code, as per NIC 2008.
- Claim all eligible deductions and exemptions.
- Verify with Form 26AS before submission.
- Consult a Chartered Accountant, especially in case of audits, international transactions, or foreign assets.
- File before the deadline to avoid interest and penalty.
Who Cannot Use ITR-6?
- Individuals
- Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs)
- Firms
- LLPs
- Trusts and entities claiming Section 11 exemption
- Political parties and institutions mandated to file ITR-7
Disclaimer:
The information in this article is for educational and awareness purposes only. It does not constitute financial or legal advice. Please consult a tax advisor or CA for expert guidance tailored to your company’s tax filing needs.
