Finance/Compliance Consultant
77866 Points
Posted on 08 November 2026
F&O loss and audit:
• F&O loss is a non-speculative business loss. No tax is payable on a loss. It can be set off against other income (except salary) this year, and the balance carried forward 8 years (file by the due date).
• Turnover (ICAI GN 2022: absolute sum of profits and losses per trade) of Rs 30 lakh is far below Rs 10 crore. Tax audit under 44AB(a) isn't required.
• 44AB(e) applies only if you're under the 44AD(4) lock-in (opted out of 44AD after opting earlier, within 5 years). If you never opted for 44AD, no audit.
• Maintain books (44AA) if income exceeds Rs 2.5 lakh or turnover exceeds Rs 25 lakh. File ITR-3.