Tax Consultant
1928 Points
Posted on 07 September 2026
For a real estate broker filing AY 2026-27 returns, the ITR form depends on how you are treating the income:
ITR-3 (most common for real estate brokers):
- If you maintain books of accounts and report actual income and expenses
- Income is under Business or Profession head
- You can claim actual deductions: office rent, advertising, vehicle expenses, depreciation, phone
- Mandatory if turnover exceeds Rs 1 crore (which triggers audit under Section 44AB)
ITR-4 with Section 44ADA (for eligible professionals):
- Section 44ADA allows professionals to declare 50% of gross receipts as income (presumptive scheme)
- HOWEVER: Real estate brokers are NOT specifically listed as professionals in Section 44AA (unlike CAs, lawyers, architects, engineers, doctors)
- Most tax practitioners take the view that real estate brokerage is NOT eligible for Section 44ADA
- Some ITATs have allowed it where the nature of services is professional in character - but this is an unsettled position
Practical guidance: If in doubt, use ITR-3 with actual books. The risk of a notice if you claim 44ADA for brokerage income (where it may not apply) outweighs the compliance convenience.
This [income tax guide for real estate agents and brokers AY 2026-27](https://taxgarden.in/blog/income-tax-for-real-estate-agents-brokers-india-ay-2026-27) covers ITR form selection, deductions, TDS under Section 393, and GST threshold for brokers.