06 April 2013
every businessman those eligible as per 44ad . compulsiorly require that return submit u/s 44AD if he maintain books But audit u/s 44ab not done.
11 April 2013
every businessman compulsiorly require to submit return in 44 ad if 44 ab not applicable except specified profession & commission, brokerage, agency business
23 July 2025
Excellent question β and a very common area of confusion.
Letβs clarify:
π· Is Section 44AD Automatically Applicable to All Eligible Businesses? β No β it is not automatic or mandatory. Section 44AD is an optional presumptive taxation scheme, not compulsory β even if the business is eligible.
π You can choose to opt in or out, provided you satisfy the following conditions: Criteria to opt in Must be fulfilled Resident Individual / HUF / Firm (not LLP) β Yes Turnover β€ βΉ2 crore β Yes Not engaged in specified professions u/s 44AA(1) β Yes Not earning income from commission, brokerage, or agency β Yes
πΆ If You Do Not Opt for 44AD β Then What? You can still file returns under normal provisions, but:
You must maintain books of account (as per Section 44AA), and
If your income declared is less than 8% (or 6%) of turnover, and your total income exceeds the basic exemption limit, you must get a tax audit done under Section 44AB(e).
πΆ Common Misconception Clarified: Section 44AD is not compulsory for eligible businesses.
You may opt for it voluntarily to:
Avoid maintaining books
Avoid audit
Declare profit at presumptive rate (8%/6%)
π· Once You Opt Out β Lock-in Period β οΈ If you opt out after using Section 44AD, there is a restriction under Section 44AD(4):
If you donβt opt for 44AD in any of the next 5 years after opting once,
You cannot opt for 44AD again for the next 5 years,
And you must maintain books and get audited if conditions under 44AB(e) are triggered.
β Final Answers to Your Questions: Question Answer Is 44AD automatically applicable if business is eligible? β No β it is optional Can an eligible business file under normal provisions if not audited? β Yes β but must maintain books Is audit required if profit exemption limit? β Yes β as per Section 44AB(e) Is 44AD filing compulsory for every businessman not under 44AB? β No β it's a choice, not a mandate
Would you like a summary chart showing when audit is required under 44AD vs. normal provisions?