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Section 44AD business presumptive tax: every question, answered

6%/8%, turnover limits, the 5-year lock-in, audit triggers and 44AD vs 44ADA.

Last updated 2026-06-12 · Covers FY 2025-26 and FY 2026-27

Plain-language answers, reviewed for publication.

Each question has a shareable anchor, a verdict-first answer, and links into the calculators, calendar, glossary or sibling guide pages where relevant.

Jump to a category
  1. A · Eligibility and limits
  2. B · 6%, 8% and receipts
  3. C · Lock-in and audit
  4. D · Comparisons and filing

A · Eligibility and limits

1Who can use 44AD?

44AD is for eligible resident small businesses, not companies or LLPs. Professional income belongs in 44ADA if eligible; commission/brokerage and some agency businesses need separate review.

2What is the 44AD turnover limit now?

44AD has a turnover ceiling, with a higher limit where cash receipts stay within the permitted percentage. Check the current year's limit and cash-receipt test before using presumptive business tax.

3Can an LLP or company use 44AD?

44AD is for eligible resident small businesses, not companies or LLPs. Professional income belongs in 44ADA if eligible; commission/brokerage and some agency businesses need separate review.

B · 6%, 8% and receipts

4When is presumptive profit 6% instead of 8%?

The lower 6% presumptive rate is generally for eligible digital receipts; 8% applies otherwise. UPI/bank channels can support the digital rate where the statutory conditions are met.

5Does UPI count as digital receipts for 44AD?

The lower 6% presumptive rate is generally for eligible digital receipts; 8% applies otherwise. UPI/bank channels can support the digital rate where the statutory conditions are met.

6Can I declare more than 8% profit?

The lower 6% presumptive rate is generally for eligible digital receipts; 8% applies otherwise. UPI/bank channels can support the digital rate where the statutory conditions are met.

C · Lock-in and audit

7What is the 5-year lock-in under 44AD?

44AD has a 5-year lock-in consequence if you opt out after using it. That lock-in is a major difference from 44ADA and should be checked before declaring lower profit.

8What happens if I declare less than 8%?

The lower 6% presumptive rate is generally for eligible digital receipts; 8% applies otherwise. UPI/bank channels can support the digital rate where the statutory conditions are met.

9Do I need an audit for a 44AD loss?

Declaring below the presumptive rate can trigger books and audit if income conditions are met. Loss cases need care because audit, carry-forward and return due date interact.

D · Comparisons and filing

1044AD vs 44ADA — which one applies to me?

44AD and 44ADA solve different problems. Use 44AD for eligible businesses and 44ADA for specified professions; mixed income can require both schedules in one return.

11Can I have 44AD business and salary together?

44AD and 44ADA solve different problems. Use 44AD for eligible businesses and 44ADA for specified professions; mixed income can require both schedules in one return.

12Which ITR form is used for 44AD?

44AD and 44ADA solve different problems. Use 44AD for eligible businesses and 44ADA for specified professions; mixed income can require both schedules in one return.

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This guide is general information for understanding the topic, not advice on your specific situation, and not solicitation of work. Tax positions turn on your full facts and on the law in force for the relevant year. Confirm your position with a qualified professional before acting.