15 July 2026
I have a query regarding the reporting of Futures & Options (F&O) transactions in ITR-3 and the applicability of tax audit under Section 44AB.
The facts are as follows:
I am engaged in F&O trading. The total traded value (purchase + sale contract value) exceeds ₹20 crore. The absolute net profit from F&O transactions is ₹7,13,000. I have filed / intend to file ITR-3.
My queries are:
Since the ₹20 crore represents only the total traded value and not the F&O turnover as per ICAI guidance, is a tax audit under Section 44AB applicable? While filing ITR-3, should the purchase and sale figures represent the gross contract values, or should only the F&O turnover (computed as per ICAI guidance) be reported? If the Trading Account schedule in ITR-3 contains fields for Sales and Purchases, what amounts should be entered for an F&O business?